The Garrick theatre is to host a very different night of Theatreland entertainment from spring 2011, when burlesque production The Hurly Burly Show brings its risqué brand of performance to the London stage.
Led by vocalist and burlesque artist Miss Polly Rae, the show blends burlesque and bawdy cabaret with modern fashion, music and popular culture in a production that promises spectacular costumes, sets and lighting.
Miss Polly Rae and her six Hurly Burly Girlys are directed by William Baker, who is best known for his work with pop pixie Kylie Minogue; directing her world tours and music videos. In addition to working with artists including Britney Spears, Lily Allen Jamiroquai and Westlife, Baker made his stage debut in 2007, when he directed Rent at the Duke of York’s theatre.
The show’s choreography is provided by Ashley Wallen, who worked alongside Baker on Rent. His choreographic work will also be seen in the much-anticipated Ghost The Musical when it opens in the capital next year.
The Hurly Burly Show, which is described as a “unique provocative journey full of wit, joie de vivre and celebration of the female form”, was previously seen at the Leicester Square theatre earlier in 2010, but now makes the leap to the Garrick theatre, which is better known for hosting plays than saucy cabaret.
The Garrick is currently the home of JB Priestley’s comedy When We Are Married, which tells the story of three couples who, after 25 years of marriage, discover they may not be living the life of respectable matrimonial bliss they thought. During the Christmas period the Garrick also plays host to children’s favourite The Gruffalo.
MA