Martini Lounge Spring Fling burlesque extravaganza

The Martini Lounge Burlesque and Variety Show brings its Spring Fling showcase to the new Epstein Theatre later this month. On Saturday April 28, the newly revamped venue will boast a number of debutantes, starting with an act regarded as ‘burlesque royalty’ Luna Rosa, who is set to take centre stage and entice the audience with her captivating and mysterious brand of performance, including the Cleopatra Rumba and Harlequin Serenade.Liverpool’s very own flying foxes Black & Blue will be taking to the stage (or rather, the area above it) with a kind of performance never before seen at The Martini Lounge. Performers Barry J Welsh and Nicholas Hunt promise a “beautiful, yet death-defying aerial performance”. Ooer! A third newcomer will be juggling connoisseur Mat Ricardo. As a winner of the London Cabaret Award for Best Speciality Act, Mat’s has over 25 years of experience on the circuit.Not to be outdone by the new blood, Bijou Noir returns. As a firm Martini Lounge sweetheart, Bijou has set the stages across the UK alight with performances on celebrated stages including Glastonbury, and Bestival as well as appearing on shows for BBC, Channel 4 and Sky1. Compere Fred Bear is also back, as isthe ringmaster of the Martini Lounge, Liverpool's own Millie Dollar. Having enchanted audiences internationally with her own famous routines, Millie performs anything from traditional burlesque to the raunchy bump and grind popularised in the 50's and usually mixes the two.She said: "I'm thrilled to be returning to the stage at the Epstein theatre, and bringing some of my favourite acts into the city especially for this event. There will be plenty for everyone to enjoy, from comedy and juggling to some of the most beautiful performers around. It’s going to be a great show.” The Martini Lounge Spring Fling Showcase is on at the Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street, on Saturday April 28.Tickets are £20, available online at www.martinilounge.co.uk.