Welcome to Burlesque at Proud.
Proud's new night of Burlesque in your Kitchen promises to bring "its very own take on Burlesque by introducing a more light hearted and candid spin on the art form." Proud feels it's created the perfect levels of moody lighting, casual smoke, simple yet elegant food, in a now-perfect concoction, and they admit they've spent the last 6 months getting this just right. Despite cries that Proud doesn't make the best venue for a gig, the Proud Kitchens next door work perfectly for a night of jazz, casual acrobatics, and a fair bit of cabaret nudity.
Proud's show is very easy to get wrapped up in, and it has a great modern twist. It's very much dinner out with an entertainment cabaret finish, while at the same time it's a very casual sort of affair. Expect your night to begin by being ushered to a seat at a long tudor-like bench in the Grade II listed building, with dark wooden beams that occasionally have waitresses-cum-acrobats dangling from them - that is when they're not busy walking about on their hands, witht heir feet floating past at eye level. A showering of Showgirl cocktails, wine and h'ordeuvres and a rooms filled with deep, rumbly conversation whilst you eat sets a casual mood as anticipation grows throughout the night for the girls to get started.
I'd never been to a Burlesque show, and this was the perfect introduction.
As Proud says, it's definitely 'their own take on burlesque and cabaret'. The night begins with jokey theatrical acting from Beatrix von Bourbon and ends in glittery nipple tassles. Glittery nipple tassles are the order of the evening, but it's all very fun, complete with lots of whooping from the women in the audience! The night's second Burlesque dancer is Kiki Kaboom who is equally good, as are the range of varied solo acts to follow, which include folk, acoustic, swing, jazz and even an Oasis cover. Plus, if you head there on a Thursday or Friday, you'll even be treated to a resident harpist!
The modern twists has acts launching with Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' diverting into 1940s showy jazz. The show pulls elements from traditional burlesque and translates it into a modern striptease. Whilst it lacks feathers and a bit of subtlety, it doesn't stray too far from classic burlesque, however it but might ruffle the feathers of a Burlesque purist. I personally didn't feel that the performances at Proud Kitchen shouted 'empowerment' in quite the same way you might hope it would, but it is very fun night, and from all of the female whoooping in the crowd, it appeared that the female audience members seemed to be having a good time.
Follow the evening up with a night of live music in the Proud music area next door, and it's all in all rather good night.
Priced at £33, Proud Kitchen’s new menu includes three courses created by Michelin-trained chef Finlay Logan.
For £18 you can enjoy a two-course meal instead - and this might be recommended as watching women cavort about mostly-naked can work as a quick reminder you've just stuffed yourself full of food.
Claire Tayler is a social media writery type, who tweets @getdancey, blogs and has more than a passing interest in keyboard cat and venn diagrams.