Manchester has been the stalwart for burlesque in the North West since the scene exploded in a flurry of glitter and frilly knickers back in 2007. Whatever tickles your fancy there’s something for everyone in the variety of shows and events in our beloved city.
The Rowdy Show
'The Slippery Belle presents……Burlesque!' has been running in Manchester for eight years and has seen debut performances from some of the best international and UK performers throughout its time. Showcasing talent from across the UK, this show is well known for its party atmosphere and rowdy crowd. Currently on the move to its new home at Joshua Brooks, the next event is August 1 and features headliner Verity Gray (as seen in GQ magazine). Tickets range from £9 for standard seating to £12 for allocated.
The Theatre Show
The team behind the Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival bring you 'Green Eggs & Glam' at The Dancehouse, an all-star internationally headlined theatre show full to the brim of the best burlesque and cabaret in the UK. This theatre show is no laid back affair - the audience forgoes the polite applause in lieu of whoops, hollers and cheers aplenty. Headlining the next event on July 17 is Lada Redstar who won Best Debut at the world’s most prestigious burlesque competition, the Burlesque Hall of Fame, in Vegas in 2013. Tickets range from £14 (standard seating) to £15 (premium).
The Northern Talent Show
'Cherie Bebe’s Burlesque Revue' is a great showcase for northern talent and currently runs at two venues in Manchester - Matt & Phred’s and the Richmond Tearooms. Sticking to its underground roots there's an 'anything goes' air about the line ups. You should expect the unexpected - most recently Manchester’s very own burlesque dancing salmon, Ginger La Rouge. Cherie’s next event at Matt & Phred's is September 13 and features Sheffield's bubblegum beauty queen Starla Bright. Tickets priced at £8 in advance or £10 on the door.
The Dinner and Drinks Show
'An Evening of Burlesque' at the 235 Casino is an excellent place to get your glad rags on and enjoy an intimate night of burlesque along with a two course meal catered by the casino's own James Martin restaurant. You’ll be served a glass of bubbly on arrival and be entertained by international burlesque artistes along with a chanteuse who will guide you through the evening's entertainment. Their next event features headliner Heidi Bitz flying in from Portugal and is on September 25. Tickets are £35 per head.
The Place to Find Out More
If the shows don’t feed your appetite for burlesque the North West Burlesque Society will. Running once every two months, their meetings are open to everyone. They’re a great way to meet people who, like you, may be interested in burlesque and looking to find out more. They're a non-profit organisation so door tax is kept to a minimum to cover costs. Entrance will cost you £3.50 on the door and their next event speaker is Neil Kendall who will be talking about the History of Burlesque as well as showcasing select items from his vast collection of his Striptease Museum (July 26, upstairs at the Ape & Apple).
See more things to do in Manchester from Time Out.