BARD GOES BURLESQUE
Shakespeare reimagined as a racy dance party
SHAKESPEARE’S SIRENS: A BURLESQUE REVUE ★★★★★ Stage 18, Sugar Swing Dance Club
Shakespeare’s Sirens doesn’t even need this five-star review, though they more than deserve it. They opened to a packed house their first night out, and I expect will play to a roaring crowd each performance till their last.
Send in the Girls Burlesque (Ellen Chorley/Delia Barnett/ Sarah Jackson/Chantel Hutchinson/Morgan Smith) have teamed up to take on The Bard himself, played by CJ Rowein in his Girls Burlesque debut.
Speaking for the ladies, Morgan Smith — playing her most Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth I — is annoyed with Billy, because he creates role models for women no better than wooden spoons. Shakespeare’s female characters are either going mad over a variety of ridiculous situations, or killing themselves over men.
“Meek, mewling mouslings,” is how the Queen describes Shakespeare’s women.
Determined to show Billy how Cordelia, or Ophelia, or Katherina, ought to act, the Send in the Girls team dons exquisite 16th century costumes (care of The Citadel’s wardrobe department) for a series of kick-ass dance numbers. Each dance ends happily with most of the garments being tossed aside in favour of bright pasties, and barely-there foundation garments.
There isn’t much of a script, but what lines are delivered are raucously funny. Even The Bard himself eventually takes a turn in a stunning dance solo.
Good luck getting a ticket.