Moochin' & Smoochin'...

venue:   Sussex Arts Club review date:   Friday, 10 November 2006 photos & words by:   Daniel Regan [ intro | page 1 | page 2 | page 3 ]

review

A night of charity raising burlesque shows can never be turned down, so when I saw Baby Bones' advert for Club Smooch, I knew where I'd be going on Friday night.

Put together in order to raise money for Oxfam, Smooch boasted a luscious fourteen performers ranging from contortionists to the soothing songs of boobalicious Dolly Rockey (Dynamite Boogaloo). The highly anticipated night proved so popular that the venue was packed to capacity within a half hour of opening - leaving the many late arrivers outside in the rain. Decked out with candle lit tables, the Sussex Arts Club was transformed into a glamorous burlesque haven - many a corset to be seen (on both man and woman!), and many a dapper man to be found. Dolly Rocket was the night's illustrious compere, donning a busty number and larger than life hat, the night began, featuring shows from:

• Miss Honey Moon's bowler hat strip tease.
• Matt Wynter singing his jazz rendition of Mack The Knife.
• Mim, the whacky contortionist getting herself in a bit of a twist.
• Therese Le Tease's saucy cancan dancing.
• Fey Tish's cheeky monkey dance, Jungle Book style.
• The Feminine Whirling Dervish that is Miss Mollie (how she didn't pass out from dizziness I'll never know)
• Miss Diamond Blush's sassy fan dancing to the soothing sounds of Nina Simone.

With a short interval for those to gather their refreshments, the wonderful Dolly welcomed the crowd back to their seats with her sultry version of Peggy Lee's Fever. And so the show continued:

• With Miss Kitty Peel, all dazzled in pink with her french fancy fan dance.
Trixee Sparkle's comical rendition of a spring cleaning housewife turned naughty.
• Decadent Doll & Puck's slightly saucier version of The Little Red Riding Hood (and yes, she does love a good ride.)
• Matt Wynter's singing of Minnie The Moocher.
• A sassy Jessica Rabbit tease by returning performer Diamond Blush.
• Magical comedy act, Chi Chi, providing slapstick laughs.
• Returning performer Honey Moon seducing the crowd with her Indian mata hari dance.

With a raffle in tow (all proceeds going to Oxfam, of course), we were played out by Killer Heel's version of Chicago's All That Jazz. A jam packed show of performers of all levels - both novice to experienced, Club Smooch, is a good starting point for those interested in something with a touch of class (but not pretentious) at a bargain price. And to top it off, you're helping those less fortunate whilst having fun!

Club Smooch is already in the process of organising another night at a larger venue. Stay tuned to the Club Smooch Myspace.

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