High Tease 2009

Burlesque is slowly emerging as a multi-faceted form. Gareth K Vile checks out the high end of the market

EVENT REVIEW BY GARETH K VILE.
PUBLISHED IN THE SKINNY 04 MARCH 2009

High Tease is classy entertainment. From Gypsy Charms' recreation of Berlin cabaret, through to host Des O'Connor (not the OAP Casanova), High Tease steers clear of easy sleaziness. Never bland, always playful, High Tease is charming and funny, an evening of taste and quality. In a world where erotica is available on the second shelf of the local Tesco, they aim to bring back a more innocent sensuality.

The sense of re-creation is always present. This is burlesque with a respect for tradition, given a thoroughly modern, and lightly ironic, polish. There is something for sophisticates of all sexes and inclinations: a delicate butterfly dance, a male pole dance built around the diet-coke ad fantasy, the introduction of the ‘man-can’ and a ukulele-strumming satirist. The audience is enthusiastic, even the changes of set are entertaining.

Des O'Connor, a sharp-suited comedian and comedy songwriter, is the perfect host. Genial until he directs his withering lyrics towards shitty white wine and the cosmetically enhanced, he has the audience worried about his throat, laughing and roaring as he introduces each act. The finale of the first act – the Battle of the Burlesque between a gang of Braveheart warriors doing the can-can and the exquisite Cherry Loco – is a tour de force. The second act, which sees the return of some acts and the addition of Gypsy Charms, keeps up the pace and the humour.

Burlesque might be a form that harks back to the past, but this contemporary incarnation winks at modern life. The bad jokes from the stand-up men of the past has been replaced by a good humoured satire. Once upon a time, a woman in a state of mild undress was unbelievably provocative. Nowadays, the nipple-tassels and baroque corsets appear coy. High Tease is also very female friendly, and the Voodoo Rooms are a far cry from the old style clubs. The small of the delicious menu wafts past the auditorium, and the absolute decorum of the crowd suggests a knowing participation.

High Tease takes all of these elements and focussed them on some professional routines. Ed Muir is stunningly acrobatic on his pole, Vicky Butterfly is gorgeous and the entire show is funny and seductive.