CHAPTER will be getting glittery over the August bank holiday from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25, as they play host to the Wales Burlesque Festival - featuring four shows and eight workshops as well as meet ups and stalls.
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 - with each of the four shows boasting a different theme including a competition, a celebration of Welsh performers, a 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.
The club is run by Foo Foo Labelle, who has produced hundreds of sold-out shows.
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 festival has been cast from across Wales and the world to provide the very best of this glittering artform - and are supported by local performers from the Cardiff Cabaret Club troupe. Festival-goers are also invited to have-a-go with a number of workshops from 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.
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 the cast together to show the breadth of talent Cabaret shows boast, from local performers to big 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 Foo Foo La Belle
“We are thrilled to be able to put Wales on the sparkly map with the Burlesque Festival - I’ve attended and performed at 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”
Said Co-Producer Oola Pearl.
The Wales Burlesque Festival shows and workshops are on sale now.