The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Twilight Tease
Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, October 19
Fishnet tights, feather boas, nipple tassels and sequins – burlesque dancers certainly know how to put on a show to remember.
Fife-born Brandy Montmartre (real name Hannah Rose) has been delivering her own take on the art form for four years and here headlines a variety show entitled the Twilight Tease Burlesque Revue.
Brandy has become a bit of a local legend, having just returned from Oslo Burlesque Festival where she represented Scotland with her signature act, Fireball.
She came third in Miss Burlesque Scotland last month, a showcase of the performing creme de la creme.
Buoyed up by her success, Brandy cannot wait to perform at this month’s Twilight Tease, with the show welcoming international burlesque superstars Fanciforia Foxglove and Eliza DeLite to the line-up. The show has gone from strength to strength since its sell-out debut in Kirkcaldy in January 2018, entertaining audiences with its unique ensemble of dazzling burlesque and cabaret.
“Burlesque is a parody of titillation which often sends up the striptease,” says Brandy.
“It’s sexy and funny all at once and sometimes it’s just straight up funny (we’ve had a performer dressed as a cartoon squirrel).
“It has to be seen to be believed. It’s all very tongue-in-cheek and audiences really enjoy themselves.”
Brandy says she loves celebrating burlesque in her local town of Kirkcaldy, where there appears to be a big appetite for it.
“I believe this is because we offer an escape from the humdrum of everyday life, with glamorous acts that don’t take themselves too seriously,” she says.
The show will feature a strong contingent of Scottish burlesque talent, with Glaswegian burlesque sensation Tootsie Annie fluttering her feathers and Fife-based Magenta Lust adding something “a little different”.
The show’s newcomer spotlight focuses on Dinah Dare, from the Glasgow School of Burlesque.
New Zealand’s burlesque beauty Fanciforia Foxglove will bring a mix of the comedic and classic and international headliner Eliza DeLite completes the line-up. Proceedings will be hosted by Markee de Saw.
The show features a mix of big glitzy costumes, glamour, plenty of tassels and even a few tricks.
“Every edition of Twilight Tease has sold out and people travel from all over Scotland to be part of the audience,” says Brandy.
“It’s currently the only professional burlesque show to regularly appear in Scottish theatres.