One night at Mo*Nique's

Made Up is just about sobering up from last week's launch of Mo*Nique's, a new burlesque/ cabaret venue in the city centre. There was candy floss, drag queens in cages and lots of chablis at the event, which showcased the venue as a promising prospect indeed. Based on Temple Court at the end of Mathew Street and the start of the gay quarter, it clearly hopes to attract the most discerning of both crowds. Entertainment at the launch was provided by crooner Alan Cross, comedy partners in crime Lauren Silver and Helen Foster (spinning the concept of the bunny girl on its head) and drag king Valentino King among others, and Mo*nique's promises entertainment seven nights a week. After the launch, things kicked off over the weekend with two nights of The Frank & Marilyn Show, a cabaret special featuring well-known impersonators David Knopov and Laura Nixon. Stand up Bethany Black has already outed herself as one of the comperes of a weekly gay comedy night at the venue. Creative Director Liz Lacey promises “endless nights of vintage glamour...burlesque, cabaret and variety”. And Mo*Nique's fancies itself as "destined to become the last word in theatrical cabaret and variety, indulging in serious old school glamour and showcasing the crème de la crème of alternative entertainment". So best of luck to Mo*Nique's, where Made Up can definitely see us disgracing ourselves further in future.