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Skiddle’s Top 5: Burlesque Events

We look at the resurgence of Burlesque in the UK, introduce our new Burlesque Search Page and share with you the top 5 Burlesque events happening in this country...

Rob Dixon

Last updated: 2nd Dec 2013

Photograph: Suzie Sequin 

Burlesque is an artform that has enjoyed a massive resurgence in recent times. Beginning in the 1840’s, Burlesque usually consisted of performances by the working classes as a way of mocking the strange ways and traditions of upper classes. Derived from the Italian word ‘burla’ meaning joke, the shows would employ spoofs of popular Shakespeare plays, classic literature and operas as a platform for their satirical parodies. 

At the core of Burlesque is an appeal to the senses, most notably lust and laughter. Edging on the naughty and the taboo, the innuendo and double entendre, all great cornerstones of the English psyche, the shows were a great success, although the demographic was largely the male working classes. As society evolved though it proceeded to spread to a much wider audience, changing its ideals as it went along. Nowadays it is more about empowering women, embracing their sexuality and femininity, showing confidence in expressing sensuality.

Often confused with just another term for stripping, Burlesque in reality is much more than that. To quote Caitlin Moran: “With burlesque the power balance rests with the person taking their clothes off”. Adding personality and depth that stripping completely lacks, the performers “sing, talk and laugh… They tell jokes”, they “explore sexuality from a position of strength, with ideas, and protection, and a culture that allows them to do, creatively, as they please”.

With ever more Burlesque events appearing throughout the country, the profession that gave The Pussycat Dolls their break is more relevant than ever.

Check out our Burlesque search engine to find Burlesque events near you!

Skiddle’s Top 5 Burlesque Events:

 
KINGZ Tour Manchester!
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KINGZ Tour Manchester!

Cruz 101 Manchester, Manchester

15th February 2025

7:00pm til 11:00pm (last entry 9:00pm)

Minimum Age: 18

For ticket prices, please click here (Additional fees may apply)

Kingz! The UK's FIRST Drag King National Tour! Starring Throb Zombie and Jarvis Hammer! 3 Nights of ...

KINGZ Tour London!
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KINGZ Tour London!

The Underworld Camden, London

16th February 2025

7:00pm til 11:00pm (last entry 9:00pm)

Minimum Age: 18

For ticket prices, please click here (Additional fees may apply)

Kingz! The UK's FIRST Drag King National Tour! Starring Throb Zombie and Jarvis Hammer! 3 Nights of ...

The Candlelight Club
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The Candlelight Club's New Year's Eve Party

A Secret Ballroom (The Candlelight Club), London

31st December

7:00pm til 2:00am (last entry 1:00am)

Minimum Age: 18

For ticket prices, please click here (Additional fees may apply)

NYE special from the award-winning 1920s speakeasy with live jazz, cabaret and cocktails in a secret...

The Great Estate Festival
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The Great Estate Festival

Scorrier House, Redruth

30th May-1st Jun

1:30pm til 11:00pm

No age restrictions

For ticket prices, please click here (Additional fees may apply)

The Great Estate Festival is back in Cornwall for 2025!