Velouria by House of Burlesque

Sinful, strange and just the right amount of silly.

House of Burlesque’s Velouria is an eccentric, decadent cabaret that revels in gluttony, hedonism and petty delight. Staged at Battersea Power Station’s Archers Lane Theatre, this new show reimagines the “bad women” of history through the company’s signature mix of glamour, humour and audacity. It’s part feminist fable, part cheeky night out, and proudly unapologetic.

Hosted by a razor-sharp MC whose bursts of bawdy poetry were the evening’s unexpected highlight, the show danced between absurdity and brilliance. A breakdancing Margaret Thatcher drew howls of laughter, while a heavily pregnant performer executing box splits earned a collective gasp. Each act brought something stranger, funnier or brasher than the last, creating an atmosphere of gleeful unpredictability.

Audience participation was key. We were told not to be shy, because the performers certainly weren’t. Whooping, hollering and written confessions were encouraged, the latter slipped into Pandora’s box for a light-hearted competition. The winning confession — involving a “fantastic threesome” — earned its writer a cheeky prize and set the tone for a night of shameless fun.

Performers came in all shapes and sizes, a diverse ensemble refreshingly true to burlesque’s roots. Originating in 19th-century theatre as satire and parody, burlesque evolved into an art of tease, empowerment and playful rebellion. Velouria honours that legacy with flair, humour and confidence.

With flashes of nudity, doses of profanity and a wicked sense of fun, Velouria may not be perfect, but it’s bold, funny and unrepentant. A great evening out.


Photo credit: Scott Chalmers