An Interview with Beatrix Von Bourbon

What attracted you to burlesque?

As I often tell people, I was attracted to burlesque by the potential for self-exploration and growth that it offered. I put a lot of myself into my acts and as a result of this, I often find that I learn a lot about myself as I develop new pieces. Arguably the same self-reflection can be achieved by indulging in any artistic medium, but burlesque held a particular sway for me owing to its immediate connections with dance and sexuality.

What was your first burlesque gig?

My first burlesque performance was at an event called Hot Sauce in Southampton, May 2006.

It was also the debut show of London based performer Missy Macabre (I’m sure she won’t mind me saying!). Looking back at the photographs now, my first ever performance is a little embarrassing. I really didn’t do enough research into the history and roots of burlesque before putting an act together. My act looked something like an end-of-year college performance!

What’s the most bizarre thing you’ve had happen to you at a gig?

I once witnessed a fellow performer’s act get interrupted by a somewhat intoxicated member of the audience stumbling into the performance area to use my colleague’s performance chair as a rest for her handbag. That was weird.

If you could perform a duet with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you perform?

Not so much a duet, but I’d love to perform an act directed/consulted upon by Alfred Hitchcock – he’s one of my all-time favorite auteurs.

What’s your favorite thing about London’s burlesque scene?

I adore the range of acts on offer, from small striptease-dedicated shows with vintage themes to large scale circus/variety events, there’s something to suit every mood! Since I moved to London in Spring 2009, I’ve indulged in attending queer cabaret, intimate variety and teatime striptease shows. There’s something to suit every mood and intellect.

If you had to be reincarnated as a dog, a cat or a bird, which would you choose?

Of those, a bird. I’m curious about the sensations and experience of learning to fly…

What’s the most difficult part of your act to perform?

As trivial as it sounds, I actually find untying laced-up bows to be the most taxing element of my shows. So often I’ve had the end of a lace fall through the centre of a bow-loop during my performance and, to my horror, I’ve pulled the end of a lace to untie a bow only for the bow to turn into a double knot. I’ve since learned to replace laces with elastic wherever possible. Give me difficult or exhausting choreography over corset removal any day!

What was your worst ever gig?

I was once booked to perform at a trance club. The promoter was certainly drunk and, judging by his behavior, I can only assume high as well. The promoter left myself and a fellow performer to our own devices. After some time we chased the promoter to ask when they would like us to perform. They kept delaying and delaying us until, eventually, they said “go on whenever you like”. So at 3am we attempted to liase with the DJ regarding our performance requirements… only the DJ refused to be interrupted from his set and went so far as to tell our group to “fuck off”. Delightful.

What would you most like to do if you weren’t doing burlesque?

I had intended to pursue a PhD in Cultural Studies until burlesque came along and distracted me. I went as far as completing an MA (writing my dissertation on video game theory in relation to the control mechanisms of the Nintendo Wii)… but I found my passion had migrated to the world of entertainment. However, I’m still very fond of academia and am sure I’ll return to it at some point. Speaking of which, I must sign up for that correspondence Maths A-Level…

What was your greatest moment on stage?

I really enjoyed seeing 2009 in on stage in Stuttgart, Germany. The cast of Miss Evi’s Company were all on stage after our finale number, clutching glasses of champagne as 2008 came to a close. That’s a memory I won’t forget in a hurry. Sharing a line-up with Chas and Dave was also pretty bonkers…

What was the last London burlesque show you saw as an audience member?

Flay & DeVille’s Circus of Marvels: Back to School (Madame Jojo’s)

Which superhero are you?

The VonBourbonator!! Hasta La Vista, Baby!