Thanks to Rachel Rocks for this latest review. Ed
There’s always a frisson of excitement and anticipation waiting for a Black Cat and Top Hat burlesque show to begin.
The first beautiful, corseted star takes to the stage, with a provocatively draped snake, red basque, stockings and suspenders, luscious long hair tied back, oh, and a beard! It’s no other than Mr Nick Painless dressed as The Rocky Horror Show’s Dr Frank N. Furter!
The event organiser and tonight’s compere has the whole room in hysterics with his saucy jokes whilst also inviting everyone to raise a toast for “fallen heroes”, David Bowie and Motorhead’s Lemmy.
Ravenna Grimm
Porcelain skinned, raven haired, gothic beauty, Ravenna Grimm makes her entrance dressed as a pirate with long stripey over-the-knee socks and bandanna.
As the clothing becomes less, she leaves the crowd wanting more as she seductively writhes around on the floor. Everyone clapping along to the sea shanty which fits her well-choreographed routine perfectly.
The tiny burlesque star with curves in all the right places, is a little minx as she coquettishly removes her gloves with her teeth.
Balletic at times, the feisty performer has everyone wondering just where the skull and crossbones flag suddenly appears from as she leaves the stage to big cheers.
Belle Blonde
Next up, Belle Blonde, a curvaceous Marilyn Monroe lookalike, dressed in a black sparkly evening dress, which clings to her mesmerising curves.
Her entrance to Etta James’ ‘I just want to make love to you’ has everyone singing along, whilst in awe of her voluptuous bottom.
She teasingly wriggles out of her dress to reveal the most amazingly huge bosoms, her modesty covered with her burlesque pasties as she jiggles throughout her routine.
Infectious laughter
Painless returns to the stage for more comedy and the laughter in the room is warm and infectious.
Painless has been putting on events for 15 years and it’s testament to him how welcoming the environment is for the performers and the audience. The room has couples and girls’ nights out, as well as guys and the split is easily 50/50 men and women. Even Nick Painless’ mum has come along to watch and proudly support her son.
Something for everyone
The thoroughly entertaining evening isn’t just about burlesque. There’s something for everyone with comedy, magic and music all performed at the very highest standard.
Next up is the ear candy as well as the eye candy for those who prefer to see a handsome man on the stage after all the beautiful women.
Seb Sebotage Clark is in great spirit as he begins his set with an epic performance of Bring Me The Horizon’s ‘Drown’.
Continuing the evening’s Valentine theme, he brings lucky Harry out of the crowd and serenades him with a slowed down, Latino-infused rendition of Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a prayer’. Lighters are held aloft for the bromance!
“Who’s a fan of Kate’s Bush?” Clark asks, but what’s to follow is no comedy performance. He performs the most exquisite, soulful and tender version of ‘Running up that hill,’ with nods to the Placebo cover but maintaining his unique style with his loop pedal.
Clark brings on man of the night, Dr Frank N. Furter, aka Nick Painless for a hilarious rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.
Miss Candy Belle
Next up is headline act and best bottom in burlesque, Miss Candy Belle.
With her dark hair slicked back and wearing an oriental style, silk, kimono, she glides onto the stage with legs that go on for miles, to ‘All that Jazz’.
Her star quality shines as she makes eye contact with the audience throughout. Her gymnastic style performance involves her exquisitely stockinged long legs wrapped around her head as she straddles and writhes a chair.
After the interval, there is more burlesque from beautiful nightmare, Ravenna Grimm who thrashes around her sword with her stunning, sparkly red pasties.
Belle Blonde returns and teases deliciously with her pink feather fans in an iconic burlesque performance reminiscent of Dita Von Teese.
And for Candy Belle’s finale, she struts her beautiful corseted figure, extending those long legs even further in very high, glamorous heels, oozing vintage movie star sophistication. She tantalisingly shimmies her delectable derrière whilst revealing diamante sparkly pasties. Stunning!
However, highlight of the night is Nick Painless’ wife, Heleena jumping up and down on a carpet of shattered glass. Don’t try this at home! The audience watch in disbelief at the sound of crunching glass beneath her feet!
More Black Cat and Top Hat
The next Black Cat and Top Hat is on Friday 29 July.
Look forward to what Nick Painless and gang will have in store from the world of burlesque, magic, music and comedy for a very grown up night out.
Images: © Day Rutherford of Rutherford Photography
