Rachel Rocks popped along to this charity event in Ryde last week. Ed
The alternative scene was thriving in Ryde last Friday night (22nd April) with beautiful burlesque organised by UK Miss Pin Up entrant, Sophia La Rose at WightRock Bar; And the first gig for new Island alternative rock band, Bobbin and the Babymakers at Coburgs.
WightRock Bar
The night of divine and diverse burlesque acts, cabaret, magic and music raised a tremendous £350 for Help the Homeless – Isle of Wight to help with renovations for their new bus.
First up was headlining male vocalist and Island favourite, Seb ‘Sebotage’ Clark. He launched the evening in style with a rousing rendition of The Killers’ Mr Brightside getting everyone in the party mood. His unique take on Wonderwall had everyone singing along, whilst his fun version of Black Eyed Peas’ I got a Feeling had both the crowd and stunning burlesque performers dancing along in WightRocks’s friendly atmosphere.
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Beautiful Emily Bowden then joined Clark on stage. The intensity in her vocals is so emotionally captivating it belies her tender years and you can tell she feels the angst in every word she sings. Her exquisite rendition of the melancholic Portishead’s Glorybox’ was sublime, the intensity fuelled further by her rapport with Clark.
Beautiful burlesque
Next to take to the stage was Island headliner, burlesque artist, Isabelle L’amour, wearing an exquisite, vintage style, purple sequinned, demure evening dress. Reading her book and peering over it, in her glasses, she portrayed the character of a shy woman. As the music seductively played: “All day long, I dream about ooh,” L’amour’s great character acting had her putting her finger to her lips in a shhhhh motion with strict facial expression.
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Her character’s confidence increased as she realised coquettishly removing her beautiful dress was more fun than reading her book. Finally revealing her elegant gold pasties, she cleverly and humorously covered her modesty with her book.
From over the water
Portsmouth’s Clare de Loon and Southampton’s Freckles Demure also performed burlesque. de Loon’s act was sexily mysterious with her blank faced eerie masks and striking rainbow fan routine. Whilst saucy minx Demure with her hair in a flame red 1950s beehive performed a cheeky routine to Only Fools Fall In Love.
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Expertly compered with great humour and stand up by Alex Watts, there was also magic from Andy Vance and vocals from Hannah Pereira and Caroline Adkins.
Harley Quinn and Joker
However, highlight of the night was event organiser Sophia La Rose and Seb Clark’s theatrically fun and and exciting performance as Harley Quinn and Joker.
La Rose showed she’s more than a burlesque performer as she sang live the Do you want to kill the Batman? mischief medley. Her pretty singing voice enhancing her dramatic outfit and make up, she gave Margot Robbie a run for her money.
Charismatic Clark as Joker was completely under Harley’s spell. Both performers are natural on the stage and their dynamic performance was thrilling to watch. You couldn’t take your eyes off them – it was like they were visually enthralling 3D comic book characters.
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The pure theatre was a great accompaniment to a wonderful evening. Everyone left the event feeling thoroughly entertained whilst knowing £350 had been raised for “The Bus Shelter IoW”.
Sophia La Rose’s next event will be in October.
Bobbin and the Babymakers hit Coburgs
It was then time to hotfoot it down to Coburgs to catch the second hour of the debut performance of new Island alternative covers band, Bobbin and the Babymakers.
They’ve already built up a strong following and Coburgs was heaving as the band played an eclectic set of old school and modern rock tracks from bands including Guns N Roses, Motorhead, Nirvana and Clutch.
Hot and sweaty and barely room to stand, the band were humbled by the presence of so many who had turned up for their first gig. Even a mini mosh pit formed!
With their charismatic stage presence, they looked good and sounded great! Exuberant harmonica playing, Bobbin Dixon has a strong rock voice and with his hair spiked up and baggy shorts, he was the perfect front man.
The music was heavy, loud and sweaty! Shirtless guitarist Seb Clark on his second gig of the night was a joy to watch. Heavily tattooed, playing his guitar slung low, he’s everything a lead guitarist should be. Who knew it was possible to hear flawless Slash riffs played to perfection on the Isle of Wight!
Completed by drummer Dani and bassist Joshie, they were a tight unit and their camaraderie as a band shone through. These guys are only going to get better and better, so get down the front quick!
All in all, a great night out in Ryde! Burlesque and live rock – if you missed it, you missed out!
Images: © A S M Photography
