Darkteaser’s Spa Pleaser

Last month saw The Assembly in Leamington Spa play host to Darkteaser’s Garter Lounge and I was there to capture everything that went on.

And everything that was taken off.

Regular blog readers will know that I’ve been involved with Darkteaser’s burlesque show for the last couple of years, acting as a sponsor and covering the performances onstage as well as behind the scenes. But this was a Garter Lounge with a difference and moving the event from its original home – the authentically retro Working Men’s Club in Hugglescote – to The Assembly, definitely gave the proceedings an altogether grander and more decadent air.

The beautiful Veronika Valentine

Compered in true Cabaret (with a capital C) style by Mister Joe Black, the 200 strong crowd were treated to a stunning succession of acts who all seemed determined to perform with an elegance and drama befitting of the Assembly’s lush art deco interior.

The Master of Ceremonies – Mister Joe Black

It was a swirly and mesmerising evening with seductive veils, fans, a few flames and the odd snake. A unicorn and a lovelorn jackalope completed a duo of fantastical creatures, alongside a couple of more knockabout comedy turns and rousing vocal performances from Nara Taylor and the emcee.

Bird of paradise, Lexi Sexx and the charming Lady Ane Angel

Lalla Morte – From Russia with Love, complete with blizzard

Jackalope Emerald Ace and Starla Haze's golden girl

Veronika Valentine can't hear you(!) while Bam Bam Blue slips off a stocking

Spine-tingling opera from Nara Taylor with dangerous mayhem from Metal Pete as Riding the Valkyrie

I have to take my tiara off to Darkteaser for pulling together such an impressive troupe. Every single person on the bill did an amazing job and the headline acts proved just why they are in demand to perform all over the world.

That voodoo that she does – skullduggery with Lady Ane Angel

A class act – the awesome Vicky Butterfly

As the night went on the props got bigger and bigger, ending in fine style with Darkteaser, resplendent in her Able Grable gown, emerging from an impressive timepiece.

The lady of the hour – Darkteaser burlesque starlet and promoter

Needless to say the Raquel Rouge extended family were there in full-force, with Jeni backstage titivating hair-dos while Vanessa and Cassie took care the stall with Anita. It was a fitting event to launch the makeover gift boxes, my Christmas offer and to shout about Pencils & Pin Ups too.

Mama Teaser – like a walking ad for the new gift boxes / V, me and the Kupcake

It was a brave move to bring burlesque to Leamington at considerable cost and with no guarantees of an audience, but the venue was made for it and Darkteaser really pulled it off. The good citizens of Warwickshire (and beyond) really entered into the spirit of things, with a lot of curious newcomers delighted to be doing ‘something different’ on a Sunday night. I’m pleased to say that the event has been deemed such a success that the next one has just been announced for the 3^rd April 2011.

Put it in your diaries.

In the meantime I have put the rest of the best images up on my Flickr site.

Finally, special thanks to everyone who performed on the night – I’m indebted to your tolerance of my lens and really hope you think I’ve captured a little bit of you at your very best. (Drop me a line and I will get copies of everything to you.)

See you at the next one.

RS x