The London Burlesque Festival - 1st-5th April

How time flies! Seems like yesterday I was at the opening of last year's festival, but in less than a week Chaz Royal's International London Burlesque Festival returns for its 3rd year, showcasing the best in British and international burlesque.

The Festival will expose Londoners and burlesque connoisseurs from around the globe to over 100 of the world's top ecdysiasts hailing from North America, Europe, Australia and of course the United Kingdom. The festival will feature a variety of acts, from the nostalgic traditional style of burlesque's early years to 50s 'Bump and Grind' and more modern avant-garde interpretations that are growing in popularity with neo-burlesque's younger set.

There will be several showcases of sizzling striptease, vaudeville variety and burlesque pageantry taking place across London over the span of five nights:

Wednesday 1st April
Opening Press Party 'Glitterati Gala'
@ CAFE DE PARIS, 3-4 Coventry Street, W1D
7pm-1am, Tickets £18.50 - £24.50
www.cafedeparis.com

Thursday 2nd April
UK Showcase Night: *2 Showcases
@ MADAME JOJO'S, 8-10 Brewer Street, W1F
Early Showcase - The Princess Palace: 6pm-9pm, Tickets £24.50
Late Showcase - Burlesque Social Club: 10pm-3am, Tickets £22.50
www.madamejojos.com

Friday 3rd April
Newcomers Contest 'Battle Royale'
@ THE SCALA, 275-277 Pentonville Road, N1
8pm-3am, Tickets £12.50 - £18.50
www.scala-london.co.uk

Saturday 4th April
International Gala 'Jetsetters Ball': *2 Showcases
@ BUSH HALL, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12
6pm-9pm, 10pm-1am, Tickets £24.50 - £29.50
www.bushhallmusic.co.uk

Sunday 5th April
VIP Closing Party
@ CAFE DE PARIS, 3-4 Coventry Street, W1D
Dinner Soiree, Secrets in Lace Fashion Show, Closing Showcase
6pm-1am, Tickets £34.50 - £39.50
www.cafedeparis.com

For full details and performer schedule visit: www.londonburlesquefest.com

Tickets are on sale exclusively from www.ticketweb.co.uk

You can read my review from last year's opening show here

Not sure I'll end up on stage again this year, but I will be behind the DJ decks on Saturday 4th April at Bush Hall for both the early and late shows.

To further whet your appetite, here are some photos from last year courtesy of Elizabeth Shingleton: