What do you get when you combine blues with burlesque? A sad stripper? A naked blues singer? At the Blues and Burlesque cabaret, the answer is a delightful cocktail of Pete Saunders’ bluesy notes mixed with the saucy showgirl striptease of Belle de Beauvoir. Or, as they call it, a suburban swinger’s party.
A classy night of sensual entertainment
Pete Saunders is best known as the keyboard player from Dexy’s Midnight Runners, but for the past twenty years, he has also been performing blues and burlesque shows in London and on fringe circuits worldwide. His original music, with its bluesy rhythms, forms the backbone of Blues and Burlesque.
Saunders’ gritty voice and rhythmic piano style stretch from jazz and swing to New Orleans blues. The perfect complement to him is Belle de Beauvoir, the sparkling diamond of burlesque, who combines the elegance of Montmartre courtesans with the allure of 1950s pin-ups.
The show is a well-produced combination of stand-up comedy, music, and cabaret. The main narrative revolves around the would-be/could-be relationship between Saunders and Beauvoir, with witty banter and continuous innuendos. A very relatable highlight is their duet about a bad relationship, where even the other person’s breathing is intolerable. Despite arguing like an old couple, their mutual respect and affection is evident throughout the show.
Between Beauvoir’s numerous costume changes, Saunders performs excellent solo blues numbers. When singing together, Saunders’ rasp creates an intriguing contrast with Beauvoir’s Betty Boop sound. A classic Lady and the Tramp pairing. Even thought there were no guest appearances on the night of the review, the charismatic couple need no assistance to entertain the audience.
The showstopper of the evening was something you’d never expect at a burlesque show. Just to give you a hint: it involves Beauvoir dressed as a hairy animal with tassels and the audience chucking things at her. I’ll let your imagination do the rest. Evidently, they don’t take themself too seriously.
The gorgeous Voodoo Rooms provided an intimate and nostalgic ambiance, reminiscent of the charm of yesteryear, which perfectly complemented the show's theme. Blues and Burlesque is a recommendation for anyone looking for a classy night of sensual entertainment, humour and exceptional talent.
