Hurly Burly Show, Duchess

Short and Hurlys

It's odd to be in a West End theatre cheering women in glitter thongs and nipple tassels dancing to a Kylie/Madonna mash up. One half expects Dennis Quilley or Douglas Hodge to wander on in a frock and reveal the scene as a rewrite of La Cage Aux Folles, but the Hurly Burly Show is all woman and the high camp moments are supplied by sexy and sardonic routines exploding gender stereotypes. Here, the women are on top at all levels and as the gear comes off again and again what's of note is not the lovely bodies, though lovely they are, but Ashley Wallen's terrific dance routines. And then there are the costumes, with wriggle room in every outfit...

From French revolution to Japanese tea house, the wardrobe department has triumphed with its camouflage creations for the naughty bits, creating illusions that show everything and nothing. Under the watchful eye of the compere, Miss Coco Dubois, the Hurly Burly's are never less than charming. Their star turn, Miss Polly Rae, is the only one who holds a tune, but holding a tune and producing one are very different skills.

Does it matter in a show built for fun? Not really. The dancing is great and numbers featuring the troupe's more athletic members - both clearly professional dancers - are truly beautiful. Another  featuring exercise balls is a feat of muscle control. Unsurprisingly, there is a stellar creative team behind the show including Kylie's collaborator, William Baker, and Musical Director, Steve Anderson.

In conclusion: If you enjoy the fun, the moves and the chirpy sexiness of burlesque, it is embodied in the chirpy insouciance of the Hurly Burly team. If you don't, a couple of bevvies in the bar beforehand may help.

References
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