How Gemma became burlesque sensation Kitty de Vyne!

That is the transformative power of burlesque, a cabaret art-form currently undergoing a renaissance in the UK that has perhaps eclipsed its heyday in the mid-19th century.

What is burlesque?

Burlesque in the UK has a rich history and vibrant modern-day scene, blending elements of performance art, satire, striptease, comedy, and theatrical storytelling.

Its evolution, from traditional roots to a modern-day revival, reflects changing social attitudes towards entertainment, gender, and sexuality.

The popularity of burlesque having declined in the 20th century, the UK – and the rest of the world - experienced a burlesque revival in the early 2000s.

Kitty de Vyne at Buckley Ink 2024. Photo: Swilly's Photography

This revival celebrated the theatrical, empowering, and often satirical aspects of burlesque, moving beyond the striptease to focus on body positivity, diversity, and inclusivity.

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Today, burlesque in the UK is a thriving subculture, the sassy sister act to drag.

Cities like Liverpool, Manchester, London, Doncaster, Edinburgh, and Brighton have become hotbeds for the genre, with performers coming from a range of backgrounds and identities.

Many modern-day burlesque performers blend striptease with elements of cabaret, circus acts, drag performance, and comedy.

How it started

Kitty, who was born in Plymouth but has since made her home in Buckley, told us what first attracted her to burlesque.

She said: "My love of burlesque was kick started when I first explored my interest in the vintage/ rockabilly lifestyle.

Through my interest of vintage, I then found the likes of Bettie Paige and through Bettie I eventually found Dita [Von Teese] and so on.

"Deep down I knew I wanted to be a performer I just didn't think I was the right fit."

She added: "My eyes where finally opened wide when I saw Dita supported by the fabulous Dirty Martini and that for me was the moment, I realised I could actually do this and follow my dream."

Kitty de Vyne. Photo: Stephen Sheridan (Sceppen)

In North Wales and Chester, there is a growing burlesque scene, with regular shows organised by the likes of Neil "Nez" Kendell and The Royal Serenity.

Events like the recent Chester and Buckley Ink tattoo festivals will rarely not have at least one burlesque performer on stage during the weekend.

What to expect

Kitty shared with us what burlesque virgins should expect from a show.

"People of all body types, gender identities, ethnicities and abilities celebrating themselves, and their confidence with sass, sexiness and humour," she said.

"With over-the-top costumes, feathers, fans and surprises enabling us as performers a chance to tell a story on stage.

"A true celebration of individuality through music and dance."

Kitty has headlined and hosted several shows in her two-year journey, as well as regularly appearing at Chester Pride, but it was in Liverpool that she made her debut.

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She said: "It was September 2022 at the Liverpool Adelphi, and I was so incredibly nervous but also very excited. I'd worked for months on this one performance going down the classic route with this act to the song 'perhaps' by Doris Day. I remember I would practice this one routine at least once a day on the run up to the show just so it was perfect , I would also practice wardrobe malfunctions or mistakes just so I knew how I could work through them to make my debut one I could never forget.

"After my debut, my mum being my biggest supporter, was truly mesmerised and often helped with input on costumes and routines.

"Unfortunately, she did pass in October last year due to cancer, so this second year on my burlesque journey hasn't been the easiest. I power through knowing she is with me every step of the way."

Advice to newbies

Burlesque classes take place up and down the land, with many happy to learn the art without taking to the stage beyond perhaps a class showcase.

But what advice does Kitty have for those wishing to take the next step?

Kitty de Vyne at The Upsidedown Cabaret. Photo: Stephen Cain Photography

She said: "Do your research, go to local shows to help support and get inspired, and when you feel you’re ready, find a class or burlesque group and just have fun. The Burlesque/ Cabaret community is all inclusive, no discrimination and is just amazing when it comes to supporting the next generation of performers as well as people who just want to dip their toes in.

"Over the last couple of years, I've learnt so much from other performers as well as learning a lot about myself and I will forever be grateful for this."

She added: "Burlesque is for anyone and everyone! It's empowering, fun and an amazing experience."

First time

Kitty also shared how she prepared before going on stage for the first time.

"I spent most of my time researching online mainly, costume work along with the history of burlesque and then looking up performances online alongside actually attending local shows," she said.

"Unfortunately for me I didn't have the benefit of being able to attend burlesque classes so most of my experience and prep has been taken from the likes of YouTube and books like The Burlesque Handbook, which I swear by."

Kitty de Vyne at The Upsidedown Cabaret. Photo: Stephen Cain Photography

It's now two years since she first appeared on stage, we asked how being a burlesque performer had changed her if at all.

She laughed: "Well in the words of my partner I’ve become a lot more 'extra'.

"I take more pride in myself these days and rhinestones, glitter and hair pins are now a permanent staple in my household.

"When I'm on stage its honestly like I'm a different person my insecurities and worries just melt away and I'm so empowered, so much so that I hope to inspire people just how Bettie, Dita, Dirty Martini and many others have inspired me."

Where you can see Kitty perform:

Kitty said: "My next show I have coming up for 2024 is The Upsidedown Cabaret, which is at Chester Live rooms the last Wednesday of every month. This year we have a Panto for Adults running 17th,18th and 19th December. You can get tickets online or in the box office at the venue.

"You can also catch me taking part in Seren Yn Codi Competition 9th November at Conwy Comrades Club tickets."