Gossamer Thread’s Curious Cabaret at Norwich Arts Centre, Drink ‘n’ Jive at Ten Bells, 22 November 2013, review and photos

The Arts Centre was transformed into something of a Victorian music hall for this tremendous night of vaudeville entertainment, cabaret and music.
Compered by Lili La Scala, looking resplendent and with a very fine singing voice of her own, her funny and risque delivery was perfect for the evening.

Lili La Scala

We were treated to some amazing highlights, including Daisy Black and Alex McAleer (producers of Gossamer Thread’s Vaudeville Co.), the incredible contortions of Bendini, belly dancing by Demelza Fox, clowning by Minsky, harmonious and witty song by Below the String, and afterwards in the cafe bare swing music by DJ Jazzlord with some great dancing by the wonderfully dressed up audience members. Splendid and marvellous entertainment.

Daisy and Alex performed a marvellous routine together, in a romantic setting with tango music there were razor blades and broken glass in a very inventive and entertaining performance.

Daisy also performed some amazing hula hoop skills, and Alex later impressed and entertained everyone with his mind-reading.

Demelza Fox

Lili La Scala sings whilst Daisy Black performs the most beautiful and balletic acrobatic accompaniment

Daisy Fox

Bendini, somehow climbing through two tennis racquets

Daisy Black and Alex McAleer

The elusive Gossamer Thread brings his merry band of beautiful freaks, curious creations and musical maestros to the fine city of Norwich.

Expect mind reading, sharp objects and beautiful women; displays of dazzling dexterity, spine-tingling melodies and exceptionally well-dressed menfolk.

Produced by and featuring Daisy Black & Alex McAleer (aka Gossamer Thread’s Vaudeville Co.) and hosted by the ‘songbird of Trafalgar Square’ Lili La Scala. Show at 8pm.

DJ Jazzlord will be spinning til late so bring your dancing shoes and get a groove on after the show!

Gossamer Thread Vaudeville consists of the many and varied talents of of aerialist, razor-blade swallower and spinner of flaming hoops Daisy Black, and Alex McAleer, who combines contemporary mind reading with a flair for showmanship.They have just returned from performing at Berlin’s famous Wintergarten, as well as London and Stockholm Burlesque Festivals. You may have spotted them at events like Bo Nafanana and Festival Asylum.

“They are exceptionally talented at what they do… They innately seem to understand the alchemy of telling a story onstage… Their work is innovative and familiar, exciting and emotional, and utterly wonderful to watch.” – Vivacity Bliss, producer of Cabaret Roulette at Madame Jojos, Soho.

**SPECIAL GUESTS**

LILI LA SCALA
Cabaret hostess and singer of vintage songs, ‘The Songbird of Trafalgar Square’ has been delighting audiences worldwide since she finished her training at one of London’s top conservatoires. With a combination of a vintage pin-up girl figure, the face like a star of the silver screen and the voice of an angel, she will enthral and delight you. Let her beguile and seduce your ears as well as your eyes as her nightingale tones enfold you.
Lili is a renowned cabaret and burlesque hostess, having hosted shows all over the UK, including High Tease, The Burlesque Show, Proud Cabaret, The Wet Spot and many more. She has also been in much demand the world over for her stylish solo shows, including her five star Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Another F*cking Variety Show.’
“Ravishing retro glamour…unmissable” ★ ★ ★ ★ The Telegraph
“Impeccable…mesmerising…perfect” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Metro
http://www.lililascala.com/ @lili_la_scala

MINSKY from Hocus Pocus Theatre (the people behind No Strings Burlesque & Cabaret & No Strings Boogaloo)
Combining modern clowning and traditional vaudeville burlesque this cute clown subverts all that it means to be sexy. Battling with the blues, she finds that laughter really is the best medicine.
http://www.hocuspocustheatre.co.uk/

BELOW THE STRING
A rare combination of mischievous wit and exceptional musical talent, melodious maestros BELOW THE STRING will delight you with their unusual take on what it means to be harmonious with their quite astounding command of innuendo-infused lyrics – you won’t quite know what’s hit you but you’ll definitely enjoy it.
BENDINI

Extraordinary gentleman and anatomical wonder, escape artist and sword swallower, witness the wondrous workings of the amazing Bendini, fresh from a three month sojourn in the wilds of the underworld of Dubai for Cirque du Soir. Let’s give him a warm welcome back to chilly British soil.
Promo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hq6Ygmt5wo
https://www.facebook.com/BendyBendini

DEMELZA FOX
Preparing to go on UK tour for an all-belly dance theatrical production of Aladdin, Demelza Fox is an utterly spellbinding and captivating dance performer. She’s been mesmerising Cabaret audiences around the country with her signature blend of seductive otherworldliness, while also moonlighting as a real-life mermaid.
http://www.fusionbellydance.co.uk/

DJ JAZZLORD
A rare vinyl collector and Vintage DJ for over sixteen years, DJ Jazzlord specialises in vintage music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. He plays original black music with its roots in Jazz; Rhythm & Blues, Jamaican Ska, Cumbia, Afrobeat, Soul, Funk, Latin and World Jazz.
http://www.djjazzlord.com/

Minksy

Minsky

Minsky

Below the String

Lili la Scala

Lili la Scala

Lili la Scala

Demelza Fox

Demelza Fox

Bendini

Daisy Black

Lili la Scala and Daisy Black

Dancing in the Arts Centre Bar to DJ Jazzlord

Dancing to DJ Jazzlord

Dancing to DJ Jazzlord

the arts centre bar, where dj jazzlord was playing

I was thinking towards the close of the night what a visitor to Norwich might think if their evening followed the same path as my own. After the marvellous entertainment from Gossamer Thread’s Curious Cabaret, DJ Jazzlord in the bar, and then some more swing music from the excellent monthly dj sets at The Ten Bells across the road, by Earl Harlem and Dan Reynolds. Once again the place was full, colourful, atmospheric and full of dancing. A great way to finish off another memorable night in Norwich.

Winter is upon us! Dan Reynolds and Earl Harlem bring you the tenth installment of Drink ‘n’ Jive! that’s right, we’ve been doing it ten months! where does the time go…

please dance yourself silly to the best selection of rock ‘n’ roll, early R ‘n’ B, soul, motown, northern soul and a whole lot more.

We’ll be playing songs to move and shake to all night long, plus the X Bells has a fine fine bar with a huge selection of whiskeys and real ales. It’s the perfect Friday night!

Our Drink ‘n’ Jive night in the Spiegeltent as part of the Norfolk and Norwich festival in May was a real success and last weekend we had an amazing time DJing for the Bo Nanafana Hostry Festival closing party. We thank all of you for your support and excellent dance moves. Let’s make this one absolutely HUGE. Be sure to get there early to bag room on the dancefloor!

all photographs (c) all rights reserved by richard shashamane http://www.shashamane.etsy.com

@RShashamane

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http://www.gossamerthread.co.uk

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http://www.shashamane.etsy.com