…looks a little something like this:

(c) Derek Bremner 2009

Taken at The Glitter Room just the other week. Had great fun performing the same routine just the other night for Twisted Cabaret; live music, buzzing atmosphere and an appreciative audience all make for one happy puppy.

So where have I been? Where haven’t I been? Woof… To begin with I had a rather fabulous evening at Beyond The Cabaret’s Midnight show @The Tigers Rear just the other week. Come to think of it… where were you? London’s highest quality cabaret show, Time Out’s Critics Choice; and yet my darlings, without the publicity it deserves there were far too few to enjoy it. If you haven’t heard about this night check out their website and head on over to the next event possible! It’s situated right next to Tiger Tiger on the Haymarket (London) – right down the alley to the left-hand side of it. I have to say it’s one of the best night’s entertainment I’ve seen in a long time, and surely it beats the other alternative on a Wednesday night; getting ripped off at some crummy club only to listen to some techno rubbish and watch drunk people attempt to not fall over.

Check out the acts – read the fabulous reviews about them (Frisky and Mannish are one of my absolute favourites) and book your tickets! It’s only a matter of time before one of the best kept secrets in Cabaret becomes a sell-out. Trust me my darlings, I’ve seen my fair share of the Burly-Q and Cabaret to know that this one is one to watch out for… and if I don’t see you there at the next one I shall be very cross indeed.

As for me, if you’ve been keeping up with my Twitter updates (Follow me!) then you’ll know I performed on Sunday at East Croydon’s ‘The Glitter Room’. It was the return of my Diamond Dogs routine, revisited and updated, with a few sexy twists – pictures to follow – and seemed to go down rather well. I’ll be bringing it out again on the 17th Oct for an event aimed at raising money for Stonewall’s ‘Some people are gay. Get over it.’ campaign. Check their website for more information on how they’re trying to combat homophobia.

Now then, due to the infrequemcy of my postings (and apologies for that but I always find myself so busy!) here are some things to keep you occupied until we meet again:

• WATCH -  ‘Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day’, a charming film with gorgeous costumes and a fabulous soundtrack – it’s one of those films I keep going back to when in need of a girly, vintage fix.
• GO SEE – ‘Beyond The Cabaret’s’ next show – you will not regret it, and you will laugh your head off!
• READ – ‘The Song Is You’ by Megan Abbott – steeped in the sultry glamour of fifties Hollywood, this is a stylistic murder mystery well worth a look.
• MAKE - yourself a fascinator, a corsage, anything that makes you feel a little bit gorgeous and lets you unleash your creative side – they’re simple enough to put together – just gather together some feathers, ribbons, fake flowers, sequins; whatever you have lying around, and make youself something to match your favourite outfit. Then put it on, pour yourself a cocktail… and remember how amazingly fabulous and talented you are. If you feel you have a knack for it – why not try a workshop.
• WEAR - a pair of seamed stockings (not tights) during the day. Best worn with suspenders and the idea that you are Sophia Loren placed firmly in your head. No-one need know what’s hiding underneath your skirt, but you can let them guess as you adjust your seams!
• TAKE A PEEK AT - ‘The Chap’ Magazine. This month’s issue (you can catch it once every two months from any reputable and half-decent newsagents) features pictures from the reknowned ‘Chap Olympics’ and articles not only to inform, but to thoroughly entertain the discerning reader. Whether Chap or Chapette, get your hands on the latest copy, and see if you don’t find yourself becoming a regular subscriber.

Well then darlings, as the French have it,

Adieu x

As always my darlings I have a great deal to tell! You will have undoubtably seen (my dear avid readers) that I performed on June 7th at the Glitter Room, and am well aware how abominable I have been in not letting you know beforehand so you could have come along and joined in all the fun. It was quite a lovely evening, though with the premiere of all my acts I do get a little nervous; and I’m afraid I was taking things off well before I was supposed to and getting a darn sight flustered too I must admit. But cest la vie as the French have it, and it shall be marvellous the next time I dare say.

(c) Derek Bremner

Now then lovelies, hands up who made it along to the opening night of ‘Beyond the Cabaret‘ at Tigers Rear? And if not my darlings, then why not? It was a simply divine evening with a riot of entertainment that saw me both awe-struck and laughing heartily well into the night. It was a stellar line-up; Vicky Butterfly, Des O’Connor, The Puppini Sisters and Frisky and Mannish to name but a few – with Des on hosting duties for the first show and the absolutely knock-your-socks-off-fabulous Kiki Kaboom compering the second. I was on hand as cigarette girl, giving out sweets and flyers (I had my photo taken with passers-by about 6 times in total!) and thoroughly enjoying the show. Boris Conte was on hand taking some delightful photographs, one of which I will share along with my own.

(c) Boris Conte

The cigarette girl costumes were again down to the sewing skills of Emma Threadneedle, who of course made the gown for my ‘La Vie En Rose’ act (pictured above).

For those of you wishing to enrich your lives with a little of the best cabaret London has to offer, do try to make it along to the Tiger’s Rear for the next installment – I had a ridiculously good time, never have I laughed so hard sober!

I am all too aware that I am yet to do my write-up on this year’s festival (I’m envisaging yet another page of photos a’la 2007 at this rate!) but I shall be on the case following my return from Glastonbury; where I intend to get very muddy and go see the Puppini’s again I liked them so darned much! Also on my return I will give you details about a very special Burlesque event, intended to raise awareness of all this Camden nonsense, and undoubtably a picture of me looking soggy in a field somewhere wearing a rather terrific hat. With so much to look forward to my darlings I know you will be back, and I’ll be ever so happy to have you.

]]> http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/roses-rears-and-things-to-come/feed/ 0 tiaradiamond La Vie En Rose Beyond The Cabaret Cigarette Girl http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/2009/06/07/cest-la-vie-en-rose/ http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/2009/06/07/cest-la-vie-en-rose/#comments Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:45:21 +0000 tiaradiamond http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/?p=117 ]]>

Okay so I’ve neglected you… know how I’m going to make it up? Why with a video of my brand spanking new act of course; as performed at the Glitter Room (Black Sheep Bar, Croydon) this very evening!

My new La Vie En Rose routine, costume by Emma Threadneedle.

Please my darlings – do your bit in helping save Burlesque from the evil clutches of the Empire… well, Government. If you haven’t read about the ban in Camden Council then I refer you to my previous post (that bit before the pictures for those of you with bad memories!) There is currently an online petition which takes a few seconds to complete, in the hopes that this Burly-Q ban won’t spread like a plague of rabbits (very pleased with myself there for avoiding yet another joke about swine flu!).

For those of you in need of a bit more information, take a gander at this:

“Under Section 25 of the proposed “Policing and Crime Bill 2008-2009” Burlesque will potentially be eradicated due to the requirement of a “Sexual Encounter Entertainment License” even though there is no nudity in burlesque (as described in section 25) it has been stated by certain boroughs already that the element of the removal of part of you clothing constitutes as stripping and therefore requires a license, although you are able to appear in front of an audience partially clothed you are not allowed to remove any item of clothing in front of an audience in order to achieve this state without the aforementioned license. We would like this loop hole in the act removed to ensure that performances that involve the removal of part of your clothing and do not result in nudity will not require licensing.” – Tricia Cox, Petition Creator

And for gawd sakes – SIGN NOW!

Let’s start at the very beginning… it’s a very good place to start!

Well my darlings, first and foremost let me offer my apologies for not getting back to you sooner! I have been a very busy bee as of late and alas, my blogging responsibilties have been put on hold for far too long.

So… what have you missed? Well, my first performance of the year took place on the 31st of March at Annie’s Bar in Kentish town (prior to the rather infuriating ban on Burlesque by Camden Council – an issue which I will be coming back to!). Here are some pictures courtesy of Diane Lowe at Neolestat which would have been illegal if taken only a month later!*

(c) Diane Lowe

(c) Diane Lowe

*NOTE THE AMAZING MAGIC FLOWERS – THEY OPEN… AS IF BY MAGIC!

I also got to perform my ‘Blooming Marvellous’ act at the Burlesque Brunch @ Last Days of Decadence, April 12th (this time with the mud I’d forgotten on the 31st!). It was a really lovely atmosphere and the fabulous Tricia Cox was there selling her beautiful hats and fascinators (I picked myself up a wonderful turquoise and silver hair slide that just happened to match my outfit perfectly!). It has to be said I was a tad nervous performing on the same bill as the splendiferous Vicky Butterfly, but luckily there was cake and tea enough between us that the gulf between my silly little gardening act and the beauty and grace of her Swan Bride seemed severely lessened!

Popping over the road with Rae Jenkin (who was there selling pasties to the Burly-curious), we wandered into ‘Time for Tea’, run by the delightfully mustachioed Johnny; a darling place for afternoon tea on the weekends. All in all a rather lovely day, finished off somewhat successfully by dinner with friends.

Next off my lovelies I shall recount to you my adventures at the London Burlesque Festival and cap it off with my latest news; but for now, this young lady is in need of her beauty sleep! x

]]> http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/mud-for-brunch/feed/ 0 tiaradiamond garden1 garden2 http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/blooming-lovely/ http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/2009/03/22/blooming-lovely/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:25:26 +0000 tiaradiamond http://tiaradiamond.wordpress.com/?p=102 ]]>

Well I suppose it’s about blooming (now there’s a pun if ever I heard one!) time, that I started telling you all about my next gig. A week today (that’s Sunday the 29th of March) I will be performing on the bill of a new burlesque night run by the retro-fabulous DJ Suave! And not only will your £7 ticket gain you entry into the gorgeous Annie’s Bar in Kentish Town for a night of BurlyQ and cabaret;  you’ll also be among the first to see my brand-spanking-new Springtime act!

Think pink… think flowers… think gardening mishaps! My new act is a jolly homage to the wonders of gardening in the Spring, and what better way to celebrate the sunshine than by popping along to join us?

For your tickets and more details about the event please visit DJ Suave’s Myspace.

See you there? x

It’s been a very long Winter indeed, but in the words of the great Miss Dolly Parton I can see the light of a clear blue morning and my darlings it is ushering in a fabulous Springtime just brimming with BurlyQ! But before we get ahead of ourselves I think it best to have a quick blitz through some of the marvellous things I’ve been up to during my unforgivable absence.

• Watching the marvellous Stella Plumes compere the ‘Wizard of Oz’ inspired evening at Festival Hall last year and meeting the adorable Amelie Soleil in the process. Did you make it along? Entry was free and the performers, sublime!

• Travelling to Bath on a whirlwind adventure and being fortunate enough to catch the Billy Travilla exhibit at the Fashion Museum. For those of you who don’t know – he was the very clever man that dressed Marilyn in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ amongst others, and created the iconic white halter-neck dress for ‘The Seven Year Itch’. The curator was an absolute sweetheart and gave us all the gossip about the man himself. Did you know the orange dress worn by Miss Monroe in ‘Gentlemen Prefer…’ was so heavily boned that it could stand up by itself?! And the craftsmanship fantastic. As for size 16….? Not a chance!

• Attempting my first Lindy Hop class and doing none too badly… though I was told by two different partners that I was bouncing first too much and then not enough! What is the right level of bounce required in order to Lindy Hop? That aside it was good fun (though changing partners every two minutes made it tricky), and ultimately the friend I enlisted to come along with me came down with a case of two left feet and swiftly gave up.

• New Year’s Eve I joined some very lovely people at Madam JoJo’s for the London Burlesque Social Club’s celebration, and got to see two wonderfully talented friends perform; Miss Dolly Blow-up and Miss Ruby Rose. Along with a plethora of equally-talented Burlesque beauties, including Slinky Sparkles and Kiki Kaboom (watch out for her at this year’s LBF, we think she’ll do well!).

*Note the black hair which mysteriously came and went*

All in all my darlings it may have been a rollercoaster of a year but for every trough there’s been a peak, and those are the things to focus on. I believe Audrey Hepburn had a similar outlook on life; you go through your struggles and once you’re out the other side you get your reward… though pardon me for paraphrasing.

As for what’s next you’ll have to wait just a little longer to find out, though I promise not to leave it so long next time! Yes indeed it seems that Winter is finally creeping back to Narnia and all the beautiful flowers are starting to thaw out in the Springtime sun. Think I’ll go join them.

Tiara x

Well darlings, it seems that Burlesque isn’t as appreciated by some as we would all love it to be. What has been my life and passion, an art form that I write about with fondness and respect, has not been well received at all and has acted against me it would seem.

I have never disguised what it is that I write about and in fact have been proud that it has got me the recognition it has with other ‘bloggers’ and the Burlesque community. True, it has been a little while since my last post and so for this to get me writing again only goes to show what an effect it had on me.

A friend suggested I contact someone regarding a digital (non-Burlesque related) position. Through a social networking site I did so, and was asked to call him on Friday. Now as far as I’m concerned, people on this site know well what I write about, and some even comment here on this blog. When I write a new post I inform them about it and a lot of them take the time to check it out (lovely people that they are). Having called this ‘gentleman’ on Friday at the appointed time I was asked to wait as he would call me back. Which today, he did.

He asked me to tell him about my experiences regarding ’social media’ (having not previously given me anymore information about the job vacancy or what it would entail) and so dear readers, I told him. I told him about the social networking tools I use, it’s place in business and society, and quite obviously – about my blog. I am proud of this blog, proud that I can give more people an insight into Burlesque; its history and it’s place in modern society. I hear a half laugh down the phone…. “it looks like some kind of stripper blog…” “Well” I reply, “in part I suppose it is…” at which point I begin to describe what Burlesque actually is, that it means to ‘pastiche’ something and so on… and this was my reply, under a derisory laugh;

“There’s no way I can hire you. No way.”

For a job in social media it seems that a background in Burlesque doesn’t help you. But Burlesque is what I’m known for in social media circles… and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am not ashamed about what I do, and I don’t like being made to feel like I should be. 

After our conversation I headed to the original social networking site to post a ’somewhat’ ambiguous statement to vent my frustration;

“I suggest people do their research next time. Yes darlings, I am the author of the BurlyQ Blog – and quite proud of it too!”

Only to see that the ‘gentleman’ involved had posted just before me:

“interviewed a social media person today that thought it was OK to have a personal stripper blog and that clients would not care. Hilarious”

As I have said before; if the word ‘Stripper’ was good enough for Gypsy Rose Lee then honey, I’ll take it.

Note: Read ‘gentleman’ in the knowledge that my great friend Bianca reminds me constantly that ladies should not swear.

So what is my mantra again? Well… (and feel free to join in with me):

“A picture is worth a thousand words…”

So bearing that in mind my darlings rather than rant on and on about the things I’ve been up to during my overly long absence I thought I’d share with you some pictures instead.

First up – remember me telling you oh-so-long ago that I premiered my Diamond Dogs act at Smooch Rocks? Well at long last I have a snapshot to show you and give your eyes a rest from all that red I’m normally trussed up in!

(not quite as ‘fluffy’ as my other routines)

If you want to see the reveal… you’ll just have to come see the show!

Photos (c) Zerrin

The next picture isn’t a performance pic – but an example of how I made it through Glastonburly in style thanks to my Mahni Dare headress:

And last but not least, a couple of photos courtesy of James Reynard at The Sensual Image of my Billet Doux act, taken at the Cabaret and Burlesque Meetup.

Right my lovelies, I promise to put together a proper blog post soon with info about upcoming acts etc… but very busy bee at the moment so hoping these will keep you occupied for now!