Performing on home turf

As my fans know, I do like the odd night out now and again (or at least once a day). Yes, the new series of Casualty has bucked its ideas up and has kept me transfixed via iPlayer, but live entertainment – live quality entertainment – is a definite must, particularly if it’s upon one’s doorstep (and my doorstep is very big).

Last night I had the pleasure of being compere for No Strings – this time themed as a fabulous cabaret and burlesque swinging 40s soirée – in my hometown of Norwich. I do love performing to a home-grown audience, who all placed very warm hands upon my many different entrances as I was sandwiched in between an amazing line up.

Of course I was on my very best (and most loudest) behaviour amongst song, mayhem and good British humour- including a singalong to keep us all calm enough to carry on with an evening of hilarity, mysticalment and true amusement.

Norwich Puppet Theatre is an adorable venue – quirky and intimate, with features of the old church and the Octagon studio housing a temporary bar – this time a bunting-adorned street party to entice everyone into the nostalgic mood.

The gorgeous Miss Betsy Rose – took time from her International appearances to visit us in Norwich. Her second act, The Devil Was A Woman was simply divine, neither I nor the audience could take our eyes off of her, with slick moves and timing embraced a full-on nostalgic film noir mesmerisation.

Matt Hennem showed us what he’s good at – with his hands – bringing some good old-fashioned variety with his two novelty acts. I’d not seen anything like it before and the audience jeered him on, simply delighted at his show of skill and wit.

A gorgeous voice, ukulele playing and movement came from Elsie Diamond with a fitting tribute to Vera Lynn and also revealed a bit more as the troops (our loving audience) lapped up every second of her.

The aptly titled Alex the Mindreader took us onto a journey into the mystical – how on earth did he predict those findings? Audience members took their place on stage as he guided them, with his quick-fire banter into a bit of the knowhow of mindreading.

And of course – oh my goodness- the limbsical Pixie Le Knott. Being one of the globe’s top contortionists, we were shown angles and backbends that others just simply cannot achieve. She has also appearing in a horror film, released this month at the cinemas called ‘The Devil Inside’.

The truly scumptious Hot Boppin’ Girls tantalised us with a themed-set with their usual whirlwind of comedy and burlesque – this time with a reveal I’ve never seen before! Resident DJ  Jazzlord spun his bits into midnight as the fabulously dressed audience members enjoyed a boogie after the show.

The next No Strings Boogaloo takes place at Norwich Arts Centre on 28^th April – sure to be another night featuring a top line-up and a truly appreciative audience who sincerely lap up all the treats Hocus Pocus Theatre continues to deliver.