Twilight Tease Burlesque Revue

Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline, July 6

Fife-raised burlesque star Brandy Montmartre brings her new show to the Kingdom tonight.

The Burntisland-based artiste views her first ever revue in Dunfermline as a golden opportunity to add to her growing legion of followers.

“I perform a lot in Kirkcaldy and the reception has been really positive,” says Brandy, whose real name is Hannah Rose.

“People seem to be really into what we’re providing and there seems to be a real appetite for burlesque here. I love the fact that people are so keen and hopefully we’re spreading our reach a bit further.”

Brandy will be joined by four other burlesque or cabaret performers at the suitably art deco venue tonight, making for a potentially diverse show.

“Quite often with an act it’s not just to do with the tease and the glamour, but it’s also to do with circus skills,” she explains.

“I’ve got a hula-hooper with me this time, musical saw playing, a singer and Ruby Tricks using whips. It’s definitely an all-round good night of entertainment with something for everybody.

“There’s a best-dressed competition so people get the chance to come up on stage and strut their stuff, and there’s quite often audience participation. If you don’t want that, don’t sit in the front row!”

Brandy is in no doubt as to why burlesque continues to thrill after more than 150 years. “It’s quite often very glamorous and sparkly and helps you to forget the outside world,” she says.

“But also, it has a very positive message about who you are and what you look like.

“The overall message is of body positivity. All shapes and sizes are included and as long as you go out there and you strut your stuff with confidence, it doesn’t matter what you look like, or if you have cellulite.

“That’s quite powerful for women especially because there are so many negative messages out there that are quite damaging. It’s the perfect antidote for that in a lot of ways.”

Brandy’s appearing at Fife Pride in Kirkcaldy Square tomorrow, ahead of a 14-night run at Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe starting on August 2.

Still just 31, a lengthy career burlesque appears to be beckoning.

“I’d like to keep doing it for as long as my body lets me do it,” she adds.

“It’s quite hard on your body in terms of the joints and the late nights but people do it way into their 80s and 90s, though I don’t really see myself doing that.

“Again, it’s all about having the confidence on stage.

“If you can still do it, get up there and shake it.” in