London Burlesque Festival 2009

The World’s Greatest Showcase of International Burlesque Talent is back!
In association with Secrets In Lace, The World’s leading manufacturer of vintage inspired lingerie & stockings.

1 to 5 April 2009

Over the past decade the art of Burlesque has grown to near mainstream popularity in North America. In recent years this Burlesque Revival has shimmied it’s way back across ‘The Pond’ currently taking the UK by storm! It was only a matter of time before this ‘Neo Burlesque Resurgence’ would generate the demand for an international showcase in a contemporary city that continues to maintain it’s nostalgic aesthetic and reputation as one of the greatest cultural epicentres of the world…
Ladies and gentlemen, Chaz Royal’s International London Burlesque Festival is back for a 3rd year, showcasing the best in British Burlesque & beyond!
Chaz Royal is a name that sets the precedent in Burlesque entertainment worldwide having produced Burlesque events in over 200 cities and being the first to successfully book Burlesque tours across North America, the UK and Europe. With over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, all of Chaz Royal’s groundbreaking endeavours have culminated to the Burlesque world’s grandest event for 2009!

The London Burlesque Festival will expose Londoners as well as Burlesque connoisseurs from across the Globe to over 100 of the world’s best Ecdysiasts who have been selected from over 200 applicants hailing from North America, Europe, the Netherlands, Australia and the United Kingdom. The festival will feature a variety of acts ranging from the nostalgic traditional style of Burlesque’s early years to 50’s ‘Bump and Grind’ as well as more modern avant-garde interpretations that are growing in popularity with Neo Burlesque’s younger set.
There will be several showcases of sizzling strip tease, vaudeville variety and Burlesque pageantry at it’s best taking place in London’s finest districts over the span of five fabulous nights.

Opening Press Party: Glitterati Gala
Wednesday April 1st @ CAFE DE PARIS, 3-4 Coventry St. W1D
The one and only opening party that allows patrons the opportunity to schmooze with the stars of today’s Burlesque Revival in an intimate setting. If last year’s LBF opener was any indication, this party will not only be packed with a star studded cast, but attended by an International crowd of ‘Industry Insiders’. This event promises to be one for the history books! We advise you to bring your sunglasses because the Paparazzi will be in circulation!

UK Showcase Night:
Thursday April 2nd @ MADAME JOJO’S, 8-10 Brewer St. W1F
Early Showcase: The Princess Palace
Late Showcase: Burlesque Social Club
A whimsical evening filled with the Best of British Burlesque & Variety! Over 25 sassy strip teasing lasses & variety cabaret acts will showcase their talents spread out over 2 separate Showcases. From the ‘English Roses’ of the famed UK countryside to the posh & campy local Londoners, the UK Showcases will be a night ‘For the People, By the People’.

Newcomers Contest: Battle Royale
Friday April 3rd @ SCALA NIGHTCLUB, 275-277 Pentonville Road N1
Today’s rising stars of ‘Neo Burlesque’ will have a chance to shine brightly in this Burlesque ‘Battle Royale’.A showcase and competition featuring 25 of Burlesque’s newest starlets & troupes from across the UK. These neophytes will be competing for the coveted title of ‘Best Newcomer’ in various categories and over £500 in cash and dozens of prizes from our sponsors. The winner will be based on scores set by a panel of expert judges & the audience’s response, so come out and rally for your favourites.

International Gala Jetsetters Ball:
Saturday April 4th @ Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road W12
Early Showcase: Jetsetters Ball
Late Showcase: Jetsetters Ball
The Jetsetters Ball will showcase la crème de la crème of the International Burlesque & Variety community in 2 spectacular extravaganzas. Starring over 25 world renowned performers from 10 countries, London is in store for one of the greatest Burlesque Revues in history. The pinnacle of all showcases, with it’s cavalcade of Burlesque beauties and finery, this International Gala will be one curtain call not to be missed!

VIP Closing Party:
Dinner Soiree, Secrets in Lace Fashion Show, Closing Showcase
Sunday April 5th @ CAFE DE PARIS, 3-4 Coventry St W1D
An Encore presentation & LBF closing party that brings nothing but the best! This event will commence with a fully seated Fashion show brought to you by Secrets in Lace, the World’s leading manufacturer of vintage inspired lingerie. SIL will be launching their new Bettie Page line of lingerie & showcasing an array of product lines for 2009. This Fashion showing will be followed by a VIP Closing Revue starring a hand selected cast of the most glamorous & stunning acts to appear at LBF ’09. Tickets do not include the cost of food & additional general admission tickets will be issued for the showcase only portion of the night.