REVIEW: Immodesty Blaize
- Posted on March 19, 2008 5:37 PM
- 0 comments
The Immodest Tease Show
Koko, London
18th March 2008
Review by Katie Spain
Where’s an espresso martini when you need it most?
Unfortunately, Koko doesn’t ‘do’ martinis… well, not usually.
The last time burlesque beauty Immodesty Blaize pointed her tasselled bosoms in my direction was at the Pigalle Club in central London. It was opulent, it was intimate and I came out raving about the beauty of curves. I expected the same from her larger scale ‘Immodest Tease Show’ at Koko. By the looks of the never-ending line of people, the punters did too.
You’ve got to hand it to burlesque fans – they go the aesthetic distance. Shiny metallic trousers, sequins, glitter, perfectly sculpted hair (and that was just host Julian Clary!). Meanwhile, we decorated ourselves with finery in the hope to light that Immodesty fire within.
Clary was quick off the mark; “It’s nice to see so many heterosexuals on an outing – you don’t usually get out much do you?
On paper, Koko is a good setting for a show such as this one but after the intimacy of the Pigalle show, we were left disappointed. It’s hard to appreciate sexiness (or indeed feel sexy) when you’re trying to secure a vantage point between the legs of the ‘Fabio’ wannabe in front of you. “What would Immodesty do?” I asked myself as I repositioned my cramped limbs. The giant moved for no-one – he wanted to see the support act’s heaving coconuts. The brute held back on gentlemanly behaviour, but Miss Coconuts at least, delivered the goods.
The grand ‘seated’ tier revellers paid fifty pound for the honour but most were forced to stand.
The show however, was glorious, fabulous and extravagant in every way. Sure, the curtains were temperamental but Clary’s flurry of wicked jokes saved the day. His delightful mix of camp and tongue in cheek (pun intended) complemented the satire-soaked burlesque with ease. The hugely popular Dirty Martini performed in true Broadway style – shaking her heaving wobbly bits with more sexiness than the likes of Kate Moss will ever achieve. This, my dear sex-pots, is the crux of it all.
Immodesty Blaize takes the female form and douses it in sexiness, confidence and beauty.
She’s a curvaceous woman, and with a bit of help from the 14 piece big band, spoon fed us amorous delights all night long. The costumes wowed; Immodesty’s first performance featured fur stoles and a black skin-tight lace dress and bodice. Suspenders, sexy lingerie and even an oriental kimono followed. Heaving breasts never looked so tasteful. Stripping? No. Dirty? Not for a second. Titillating? You’d better believe it. You can't say 'tits' on the radio - but you can swing them about (in time to music) on a London stage.
The sexiest performance of the night went to the beautiful blond with the white feathers; an angel one moment and a seductress the next. Her costume consisted of nipple tassels and a few sequins protecting her nether regions. Rankin’s photos of confectionary covered lady bits pale in comparison.
During the half time break (still no cocktails) the ladies’ bathroom buzzed with pheromones. “I feel so sexy!” one woman purred… “I haven’t felt sexy for years”. This is a show for men to take their wives, for gay men to take their partners, for daughters to take their mums and for girls to head out on a girly night – minus the drunken giggles.
We got comedy, satire and sexiness… whilst the members of the band got the best seat in the house. The look on the brass player’s face said it all. The more intimate the performance space, the better.
Space issues aside, if you’re heading to Koko for a second helping tonight, you’re in for a treat. I’m off to book the first burlesque lessons I can find. This booty needs a dose of gorgeousness. You can call me Missy Boomsticks.
Related links:
Immodesty Blaize official site.
Tickets for concerts at The Pigalle Club
Tickets for concerts at Koko.
Review of Immodesty Blaize at The Pigalle Club.
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