Retrosexual rises again

AS we become more and more miserable, with plague, pestilence and penury staring us in the face...rampant escapism and glamour appear ever more popular.

Entertainment is always big in recession, but people do want something different, and if they are over, say, 21, they might find Liverpool’s nightlife a bit unrewarding.

But what's this? One of the hits of 2007, the Retrosexual Burlesque and Vintage Cabaret evening, is back this week, at the Racquet Club.

Retrosexual was created by Liz Lacey as a riposte to the in-your-face lap dancing and drink-cheap-booze-till-you-fall-over culture so beloved of the Daily Mail as a symbol of “Broken Britain”.

This is all very well in its way, but other Liverpolitans have flocked to a form of entertainment which originated to do something dear to the heart of most of us; take the mickey.

Burlesque began as a working-class entertainment form, parodying pompous opera and stuffy ballet; the culture of the well-heeled and well-fed.

It offered outrageous comedy acts, satirical songs, and a strong feminine presence provided by “Burlesque Queens” who brought high camp glamour and saucy dance numbers to the shows. By the 1950s some of these performers had become film stars, pin-ups and models, like the “infamous” Betty Page, and (still-going-strong at 8O) - Tempest Storm. Gypsy Rose Lee was of course a world-wide star.

“Burlesque is popular once more,” says Liz. “It has a well-established circuit and community as part of showbiz. It appeals to young alternative types, fans of all things retro and camp, and of course, people from all spheres and walks of life that enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the sparkle and ingenuity of the performances.”

With audiences often as dressed-up and spectacular as the acts, it’s a chance to escape into a world where everyone is beautiful and glamorous, she winks.

By Confidential reporter

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Sharp one-liners, romantic music, graceful bodies and seductive singers all come together this Wednesday at the Racquet Club, a chandeliered setting for an evening which celebrates chic and cheekiness.

All but one performer is local; Barbieshop are a Liverpool-based group who trill their way through songs like “Blue Moon” in perfect harmony.

Stanley McHale, who comperes as “The Cad”, is a successful local comedian/writer and the “Retrosexual Minxes” are slinky dancers from LIPA. There will be additional surprise spots on the night, too.

So forget it all and be greeted by Harlot Mascara with a glass of bubbly and a double entredre,. Corsets and nipple tassels optional.
*Retrosexual Burlesque, The Racquet Club, Chapel Street, L3, Weds May 6. £20 includes full show, welcoMe drink and nibbles.