Reviewed: 11 July 2012

My first experience of striptease was an ill-advised foray to a Paris cabaret when I was a 13-year old girl on a family break. Mummy dearest failed to mention the part about the stripping and full-on nudity involved; cue the most awkward three hours of my life to that point, helped only by minesweeping her glass of wine when she wasn't looking.

The show is not your typical nude cabaret- think of it as an adult-only variety revue, no full nudity (blushes are spared by sparkly pasties and jewelled micro-thongs) where the emphasis is on tease. You're openly encouraged to wolf-whistle, cheer and clap throughout the acts, which range between S&M nuns, sexy shoppers on a spree, one-woman comedy skits to a full-on candy-coloured Marie Antoinette musical-mashup number. They all have one common theme; the already risque outfits will eventually come off. But in the meantime, you will find yourself laughing at the bawdy jokes and admiring their excellent singing and dancing.

The acts are set to jazzy renditions of well-known pop songs - think Lady Gaga, Rihanna and even the Pet Shop Boys (and disturbingly, the theme tune to "Are You Being Served?").

The humour outrageously rude at times, but never smutty, which helps to relax the burlesque "virgins" in the audience. It opens with engaging and comic compere, Coco duBois (Joanna Woodward), queen of the single entendre who pops up intermittently to introduce acts, and to perform at times herself, including a zany rendition of  "Hit Me Baby One More Time", and a kitchen sketch wearing little more than an apron, heels and pasties. We were even ordered to stand up and dance halfway through!

Miss Polly Rae herself appears prominently throughout, demonstrating incredible vocal and dancing talents, a true star presence - she left most of us saucer-eyed during a very raunchy solo version of Michael Jackson's "Bad", whilst writhing on an ornate bed.

The Hurly Burly Girlies, Miss Polly Rae's hand-selected troupe are an enthralling ensemble; at least two of them have had professional ballet training, and others are schooled in comedy, but all perform their burlesque pieces with their own persona -  and a wink in their eye.

The funniest moment of the evening was without doubt when my friend was targeted by "Peggy deLune" (the comically talented Caroline Amer), tottering out into the audience wearing nothing but balloons and stilettos, and was ordered to pop one (If you're not one for audience participation, be sure to avoid the first three rows) with a lollipop stick. Gradually the balloons were all popped - well, you get the picture.

The small theatre allows for an air of intimacy and feeling like you're part of a secret, naughty club. I must say when leaving the Duchess Theatre, I was feeling very girly, sultry - and dare I say it, very satisfied!

 

Great night out: for partners, hen parties or nights with the gal pals. Definitely not suited for a first date

Morning after effect: Practicing my cheeky wiggle and pout in the bathroom mirror

Recommend to friends: If you want a giggle, and you?re not afraid of being singled out - it?s all about participation (no stripping required)

See again: Where's my feather fan?

Best bit: "Get Physical"- a musical number featuring medicine balls. Your Pilates class will never feel the same again