Burlesque comes to Rotherham

An Evening of Burlesque is a brand-new theatre production that recreates the tradition of Burlesque, giving it a modern-day twist.

Starring the "Yorkshire Tease", Amber Topaz, An Evening of Burlesque will be coming to Rotherham Civic Theatre on Monday October 31 at 7.30pm, in what has been described as a first for the theatre.

An Evening of Burlesque, compared by the delectable Kiki Kaboom, includes the cream of British Burlesque talent introduces Miss Hotcake Kitty, Amber Topaz, Chrys Columbine, Miss Slinky Sparkles, Ginger Blush and The Kalki Hula Girl.

With magic, music and song (even featuring a frenzied live rendition of the cadenza of Beethoven's 3rd Piano Concerto in C Minor) and dance (including traditional fan dances) this is a production that promises to be the talk of the town for months to come. It is for over-18s only.

Rotherham star in the making, Amber Topaz says she was born to perform.

The fun-loving beauty reveals she has slipped into her role as one of the top artistes on London's thriving West End burlesque scene just as easily as she slips out of her many couture costumes in the An Evening of Burlesque.

"It never even occurred to me as a career path when I came down to London to study musical theatre," she says. Indeed, Amber didn't even give it a second thought when she performed as Gipsy Rose Lee in an assessment while studying at the London Studio Centre.

"My introduction to earning a living in the performing arts was quite traditional, a part in Les Miserable's at the Palace Theatre," she says.

The result, according to Amber, was akin to "osmosis".

"I'd had no lessons in burlesque, at that time, there weren't any! I used my song and dance training and sense of humour to create elaborate routines with a storyline." Amber has been among the pioneers who have reinvented burlesque, stripping away any stigma attached to the art form and contributing to the current resurgence of interest in the medium.

Combining comedy, magic and vocal harmony with couture costumes, breathtaking choreography and a fabulous score, An Evening of Burlesque playfully takes audiences from its music hall roots to the present day in the ultimate tease.

Rotherham Theatres Manager, Mark Scott, added: "We've never shied away from trying new things here at the Civic Theatre and we're welcoming this burlesque performance with open arms.

"Thanks to it's emergence over the past few years as a genuine performance art form, it's transcended any degree of controversy and has a legion of famous supporters and enthusiast behind it.

"Arguably the world's most famous burlesque artist, Dita Von Teese, has gone on to become a household name, guest starring in programmes such as 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigations', as well as a wealth of high profile music videos and regularly appears on 'best-dressed' lists.

"Amber is an amazing performer and we can't wait for her to bring her amazing show to our stage."

An Evening of Burlesque will be performed at Rotherham Civic Theatre on Monday October 31 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £17.50.

To get tickets please contact the Box Office on 01709 823640. Alternatively, visit the box office, located in the reception of the Central Library and Arts Centre, or book safely, quickly and conveniently online.

The show is suitable for those aged 18 and over.