Review: The Sassy Seaside Show
Monday 24th August, 4.15pm
This weekend something unexpected happened, something I never previously thought possible, I had a lovely time in Margate. Yes Margate, that crumbly grey place by the sea that looks a bit like a post-apocalyptic version of Brighton.
It would seem that over the past few years someone has been pouring money into the half-forgotten seaside town and some pretty serious regeneration has taken place. Buildings have had a lick of paint, there’s a Turner Gallery in the middle of town and The Apprentice people did one of their challenges there (I’m told).
Presumably in an effort to bring Margate’s reputation back to the world of the saucy postcard, the once-popular seaside town played host to the Dippers & Dunkers burlesque and new variety festival this weekend. I do love a bit of burlesque, ladies and gentlemen. I also love a good variety show so, as I’m sure you can imagine, I was rather excited about getting myself down to the seaside.
The main attraction of the festival was The Sassy Seaside Show which played on Friday and Saturday night at the utterly charming Theatre Royal Margate. The staff were friendly, the auditorium was stunning, the seats were comfy and the gin was reasonably priced so the festival was off to a good start.
The show itself was a veritable phantasmagoria of new variety. People made crystal balls appear to float, classic magic tricks were performed with wonderful new gothic twists and a man even lubed himself up, climbed inside a giant balloon, danced around and reappeared dressed as Elvis.
Without a doubt, the star of the show was the exceptional Amber Topaz, a burlesque showgirl par excellence. She sang, she danced and best of all, she stood up for her art form when the PC brigade tried to construe burlesque as little more than stripping.
The Headless Lady
When it was announced that kids aged 12 and up could see the Sassy Seaside Show, faux-outrage sprung up in the local press leading Ms. Topaz to leap to the defence of burlesque.
Speaking to thisiskent.co.uk the glittering showgirl struck out, saying: “I am an all singing and dancing showgirl and have had for as long as I can remember had a saucy, provocative sense of humor. If more people could laugh at themselves and with others and be entertained rather than judging and complaining the world would be a much more fun and relaxed place to dwell.”
Quite right too, Ms Topaz!
Other highlights of the weekend include the classic 1950s sideshows and the displays by Airhedz, a troop of aerial feat performers who didn’t seem to be affected by gravity. Somehow (possibly via sorcery) they climbed up a giant ribbon suspended from an even gianter (not a real word, I know) spiral and then proceeded to do some stunning aerial ballet.
Airhedz
The festival of course had its downsides. I missed Fred Bear’s male burlesque workshop, half due to being mid-queue for the sideshow and half due to my own cowardice. There was only one workshop available and considering the festival’s organisers were expecting 12,000 people to visit, a single two-hour session for 25 people seemed insufficient.
The market was also a disappointment. With the exception of a “burlesque makeover stand” which was transforming women into showgirls with almost mechanical efficiency, there was very little of interest there. With Professor Vanessa from the National Fairground Archive’s involvement, the rest of the festival felt very authentic and I can’t help but think that the market really let the festival down.
Naff market aside, my main bugbear with the festival was that the various shows, displays and workshops were a little too spread out around the town and were not signposted at all. Not knowing Margate very well and being incapable of interpreting even the most basic maps, I was forced to ask for directions more than once. Grouping things more closely together, adding signposts or just expanding the festival to fill the gaps could have made the event feel a little more cohesive, more like a festival than just a scattering of pleasant distractions.
Grumbles aside, Margate’s Dippers & Dunkers festival was a great way to spend the weekend and it did a lot to increase my personal opinion of the town. I’m genuinely hoping that the festival returns in 2010. If it doesn’t then I’ll certainly be making an effort to see Ms. Amber Topaz perform again.
HI all great review, i work for the Theatre Royal so had the pleasure of seeing the fab show twice and personally cannot wait for it to return next year bigger and better!!!