Burlesque at The Lowry Review
Burlesque! at The Lowry
The Lowry Theatre, Manchester
Saturday 18 January 2014
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
This evening of cabaret played to a full house last night and we were lucky enough to be part of it. The Quays Theatre is transformed with table seating and subtle lighting to give the effect of a nightclub. Any drinks are prohibited which is an excellent touch as it is usually plastic bottles/glasses only. So as you can imagine the bottles of wine were flowing for most guests.
We haven’t been to a Burlesque evening before so we were very much looking forward to the experience. While sat in the bar beforehand we noticed how everybody was “dressed to impress” and felt a little under dressed. But we know now and next time (and we will definitely be going again) well, just watch this space!
The show kicks off with hostess Lesbian Vampire Queen Rosie Lugosi introducing herself and informing the audience what was in store. There are a variety of acts from singing, sexy dancing, comedy and fire eating all of which I enjoyed immensely. The names of the performers escape me, they all had elaborate stage names, and there didn’t seem to be a programme so I am assuming the cast changes regularly?
What I will say is it is a very raunchy risqué show so if your easily offended this isn’t for you. But me and my partner absolutely loved and the atmosphere was electric. There seemed to be a lot of visitors who frequent these nights so they are doing something right.
The show began at 8pm and finished at 10.45 with a twenty minute interval, In which there was an added bonus of a superb singer entertaining guests in the bar. My only negative is that it seemed to be a bit padded out at times.
If you want and evening of brilliant entertainment with some smut and humour thrown in then book your tickets and you won’t be disappointed. I shall be keeping my eye out for Burlesque returning to The Lowry.
We left on a high (and we weren’t even drinking!) as did everybody else. The table next to ours did get rather rowdy towards the end but I guess that is only to be expected on a Saturday night out.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information about shows at The Lowry visit www.thelowry.com.
