AN EVENING of Burlesque’s tour rolls into Venue Cymru on Saturday, November 12 with a heady mix of magic, music, comedy and sultry yet artistic dances.
Burlesque performer Chrys Columbine, who also plays in the rock band In the Land of the Blind, spoke to Geraint Jones ahead of the show, with features the likes of Kiki Kaboom and magician Piff the Magic Dragon.
Have you performed in North Wales before?
I haven’t. I’ve been there to visit because one of my best friends went to Bangor University. I thought it was absolutely beautiful. My friend ended up staying there because he’s a little bit of a hippy and heart, and he just loves being in the mountains. I’m really looking forward to coming back.
An Evening of Burlesque is a traditional burlesque production, isn’t it?
Yeah, exactly. Originally, burlesque was in a variety show. It was at the speak easies where the main were comedians or bands, and the burlesque dancers would come on inbetween them.
Has the public perception of burlesque changed since Dita Von Teese rose to fame?
Yeah, she’s done a lot for burlesque. It’s because of her that your average Joe Bloggs on the street knows what burlesque is. That’s fantastic, because it kind of heightened people’s awareness, and makes it possible for people like me to earn a living from it.
How would you describe your act to someone who has never seen it?
Without giving much of it away? I’d say it was musical, I’d say it was highly elegant and glamorous, but seductive and a little bit naughty and playful.
Looking at the line up for the show, there is a quite a wide spectrum of acts.
Yeah, we have, and that’s amazing thing about the show. There’s something in it for everyone, and I think it gives you a really good example of the variety that you can get within a burlesque show. Ladies love it because they love to identify with women who are confidence in themselves and their sexualities, and the glamour. Obviously, men will enjoy it for more obvious reasons (laughs), but generally theatregoers like to be open minded and discover new things.
Are there any performers who suit this genre?
With regard to the use of piano and musical instruments, I’d love to share a stage with TIm Minchin. He’s amazing. He’s obviously a comedian, but he’s an incredibly highly skilled pianist as well. Because music is such a big part of his career, and he’s now got this orchestra, I reckon if we had a whole show around him and I was in there inbetween, I reckon that I’d be quite a decent supporting act.
Are you working with your rock band In the Land of the Blind at the moment?
It was going really well, but we took a break because the lead guitarist left, and our frontman is going to be filling in with and fronting the band. We’re taking a break while he’s getting that sorted, and because I’m away so much until the end of the year. I think in January we’re going to start up again.