chapter-to-host-the-wales-burlesque-festival-this-august-bank-holiday
Chapter will be buzzing with burlesque stars, live singers, drag queens and dancers from across the world as well as home grown local talent from local troupe Cardiff Cabaret Club.
Performances will include circus, comedy, dance and live music as well as glamorous Burlesque acts such as fan dancing and strip-tease - with each of the four shows boasting a different theme including a competition, a celebration of Welsh performers, a jazz speakeasy and a gala night featuring some of the UK’s most exciting artists.
The festival is produced by Cardiff Cabaret Club, which has had its home in the city for the last 15 years, and has often hosted rehearsals in Chapter itself.
The club is run by Foo Foo La Belle, often named the mother of Welsh burlesque, who has produced hundreds of sold-out burlesque shows in the capital.
Foo Foo also runs Burlesque classes across the city for people of all genders, ages (above 18) and body-types to learn to dance.
“Cardiff Cabaret Club is special. We are a community of people that come together to dance, dress up and perform and we’ve made life-long friends. It’s rare to find such a positive and safe space to express oneself freely”
Said Cabaret Club Stage Manager Flossie Smalls.
The shows for the festival have been cast from Wales and across the world to provide the very best of this glittering artform - and are supported by the local cast of performers from the Cardiff Cabaret Club troupe. Festival-goers are also invited to have-a-go with a number of workshops from beginner level and beyond offering the chance to learn Burlesque, Brazilian samba, All-American Runway, or even join a life drawing class with one of the performers posing for the artists.
Audience members can purchase tickets individually to performances and workshops or treat themselves to a VIP ticket which includes front row table-seating for all the shows and a goodie bag.
The Wales Burlesque Festival is perfect for people who have never seen Burlesque as well as big-time fans, with local favourites and new-to-Cardiff acts who are visiting the city for the festival.
“Burlesque shows are brilliant for people who just want a really great night out - every five minutes you’ll be treated to something sensational, shocking or just plain silly.
We have put this cast together to show the brilliant breadth of talent Cabaret shows have, from really local performers to big and exciting names. I’m really pleased to be able to host the festival at Chapter, and hope audiences will jump feet first into this glittering world with us”
Said producer and performer Foo Foo La Belle
“We are so thrilled to be able to put Wales on the sparkly map with the Wales Burlesque Festival - I’ve attended and performed at Burlesque festivals across the UK and I know that Wales as a nation has a strong voice in the scene - it's brilliant to be able to invite such prestigious artists to our stages and share the buzz of everything with do with our city in this way”
Said Co-Producer Oola Pearl.
The Wales Burlesque Festival and its workshops are on sale now - this event is suitable for those over the age of 18 and is perfect for those wanting to try something different or friend groups looking for a great night out.
To see the cast list and workshops on offer visit walesburlesquefestival.co.uk