Interview - Tempest Rose

Tempest Rose is one of the most exciting and multi-skilled showgirl artists in the world, specialising in entertaining, theatrical style Burlesque which harks back to the golden age of stars like Gypsy Rose Lee and Mae West.

An international, award winning, 5-star performer with a string of prestigious credits to her name, Tempest Rose also possesses a stunning, critically acclaimed ‘ snap, crackle and jazz’ singing voice and more on stage pizzazz than a barrel of dynamite . She is resident star and choreographer for the award winning, critically acclaimed Circus Burlesque and UK Touring show Shipwrecked and Director of The House of Burlesque.​
Miss Tempest Rose is a firm believer in burlesque’s ability to inspire, uplift, entertain and dazzle audiences worldwide and she has been making a jaw-dropping career out of doing just that.



Photographer: Scott Chalmers

What was your first experience of Burlesque or Cabaret, and what convinced you to start yourself?

I began my career as a professionally trained musical theatre and classical actress and discovered the wonderful world of burlesque totally by accident when I was asked to audition for the prestigious burlesque cabaret troupe The Kitten Club. I went to see the show at Volupte and was blown away by the intelligence, sensuality, humour and confidence the performers had. Here for the first time was an art form that allowed women to be sexy, powerful, satirical, playful, comedic and intelligent all at the same time and that was only limited by the performers' imagination....and I wanted to be apart of it!

Photographer: Dress Me Up and Shoot Me

You run 'House of Burlesque' in London which produces several shows – how did the company begin and how has it evolved?

House of Burlesque was started by Lola La Belle a few years ago, who I met in the beginning of 2010 and now lives and works in New York. Straight from our first meeting we got on like a house on fire as we shared a lot of the same ideas, hopes and frustrations about performing and the industry. In the summer of that year we took HOB show Circus Burlesque to Edinburgh; the show was a massive success and off the back of that we launched Shipwrecked! in it's Madame Jojos residency as soon as we returned to London. Since then HOB has gone from strength to strength with Burlesque Idol about to start its 4th year, Shipwrecked on a UK Theatre Tour and this summer we were also resident at The Priceless London Wonderground alongside our other London residencies at Volupte and Madame Jojos and projects such as running the LGBT stage at Erotica last year. Its been amazing to watch everything grow over time and I wont lie there have definitely been stressful moments, but its been worth it.

Photographer: Click Click Boom Boom

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations?

I make no secret of the fact that I am utterly inspired by Gypsy Rose Lee who's life and opinions on Burlesque fascinate me. She was a unique performer and a clever business woman. Mae West is of course another inspiration. I am also inspired by the producers who have helped shape my career and offered me tireless support and advice and indebted to the performers who were here when I started who worked tirelessly to start the industry we now have in London today.

 

Tempest counts Gypsy Rose Lee and Mae West among her influences

Tell us a little about your favourite experiences so far

The first Shipwrecked tour show at Theatre Royal Newcastle this year was an amazing experience. To see something that had been so long in the making and had so much of my heart in it blossom on the stage of such a prestigious venue in front of such a wonderful crowd was very special. My other favourite for 2012 was performing at The Priceless London Wonderground this summer, such a stunning venue and wonderful crew. There have been other amazing honours for this year, let alone over the past 5.5 years in burlesque it would take too long to mention them all but I am thankful for each and everyone of them and for all the HOB artists and mentors who have helped me along the way.

Photographer Credit: Click Click Boom Boom

Tell me something no one would suspect about you

I'm really a short bald man named Todd, no Jim, no definitely Todd.

Paris Burlesque Festival

Finally, any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?

Sure, the industry you see today was created from almost nothing by a handful of dedicated performers and promoters. Take the time to find out where your UK scene came from and see the huge body of work that is being performed on your doorstep. Once you know what is out there its much easier to find your place in it and to bring something unique.

Photographer: Scott Chalmers

More Tempest

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House of Burlesque

Interview - Abi Collins

Abi Collins: an award winning Burlesque Comedienne, creator of larger-than-life characters, multi-skilled performer, singer, actress... Abi has performed world-wide and has a string of titles and accolades to her name. Bonkers, loveable, obscene, creative... the beautiful Abi Collins: 

Photographer Credit: Mat Ricardo

What was your first experience of Burlesque or Cabaret, and what convinced you to start yourself?

My first experience was probably when I was about seven years old, watching Liza Minnelli in the film version of "Cabaret". It was amazing we had any kitchen chairs left after that. I grew up dancing, studied theatre to Masters level, and then spent many years touring to street theatre festivals. I've performed all over the world, from New Zealand to Colombia. I started performing in cabaret about four years ago and since then most of my work has been in the UK, more specifically London. Although that said in the last 12 months I've performed in Australia, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Italy and Brazil.That's the beauty of this job - you never know where your work will take you. But I can say with my hand on my heart that performing in Sheffield is just as much fun as Milan.

Photographer Credit: Mat Ricardo

How do you come up with ideas for your acts, and which is your favourite to perform?

My work covers lots of different disciplines. Time Out called me a "skills-based character comedian", which pretty much sums up what I do. I use skills as a vehicle for my characters - and I'm not sure if I find them or they find me. Things start with a voice, or a pair of shoes or spectacles, and then just snowball from there. "My girls" (my characters) have a life of their own. Sometimes people will ask me to come up with something for a theme, which can be frustrating if there's no budget for bespoke, but it does allow an opportunity to create a new act, and there's nothing like a deadline for making you get your sequins together. I really don't have a favourite act – my girls would get jealous if I singled one out for special treatment. I'm just very grateful that I get to do what I love for a living.

"The hilarious and flexible Abi Collins" The Stage

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations?

My biggest inspirations are female comedians; Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Tracey Ullman, French and Saunders. I'm also inspired by many of the great acts currently working in the scene. They remind me of what a rich, hyper creative industry this is to work in.

 

Lucille Ball ** Carol Burnett

 

Tracy Ullman ** French and Saunders

Tell us a little about your favourite experiences so far

It's really hard to pinpoint a particular experience - I've had the pleasure of working with and for many fantastic promoters, producers, performers and audiences. In terms of "extreme adoration" I guess I'd have to say Brazil for affection (people queue to hug you after a show), and Japan, where people will often give you handmade gifts to show their appreciation. But really, whenever I can make people laugh and smile it counts as a "favourite experience". If they're happy I'm happy. The feedback is instantaneous and the job satisfaction is immense.

Photographer Credit: Mat Ricardo

Have you ever had any stage nightmares?

I've had a couple of random things happen onstage. There was one time when I jokingly accused a volunteer of being a gynaecologist, then I asked him what he did for a living... and he was indeed agynaecologist. Recently as I slid down a volunteer's legs his trousers slid down with me. And another time I was sandwiched upside down between two volunteers who were a couple and they decided to have an onstage snog - between my legs. Oh yes, and the time in Germany when I grabbed a man's hair and only realised it was a toupee as it flapped on his head. Then the time a Dutch man got a little too excited onstage... maybe I should leave it there?!

Photographer Credit: Mat Ricardo

Tell me something no one would suspect about you

I meditate. I am capable of being very still and quiet. It's become a necessity to keep myself sane.

Photographer Credit: Mat Ricardo

Finally, any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?

Be professional. Be courteous. Be creative. Be original. Educate yourself on the difference between "stock" (i.e. generic) material and unique work - learn to distinguish between skills, routines, lines etc that are "up for grabs" and work that an artist has created his or herself. Don't plagiarise. Expect to work hard. And have fun. Always.

"Have fun. Always."

More Abi
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Interview - Coco DuBois

Coco Dubois is an internationally acclaimed Compere, Singer, Actress & Burlesque Performer hailing from London. She has been performing as Coco for just over two years and has performed for National and International theatre tours, the West End and countless cabaret clubs and private events. She can currently be seen at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Stephen Sondheim's 'Merrily We Roll Along'

Coco DuBois at Proud Cabaret: Tigz Rice Studios

What was your first experience of Burlesque or Cabaret, and what convinced you to start yourself?

I always knew about ‘Cabaret’. I used to sing on my landing at home as if I was on a balcony singing to a crowd of people in a big theatre. As for Burlesque, my first real live experience was only a couple of years ago when I went to Proud Cabaret for my cousin Sarah’s hen do. We went to a class first and everyone was giggling and messing around and I remember thinking to myself “I find it really hard not to take this seriously” because I loved it so much and wanted to do it properly. In the evening we headed off to Proud Cabaret. It was a Tassel Club show and I remember that Banbury Cross was performing (still my favourite performer to this day). I was pretty tipsy and as the night went on (and egged on by my Mother) I went marching up to the hostess and told her that I would like to sing in her show. She gave me once over and told me to come back next week and audition in the show. It all went swimmingly and after time I grew in confidence and was approached by Proud Cabaret to host.

So Coco was born. And Sarah (our hen) went on to create Burlesque Bible (international Burlesque magazine).

Photographer Credit: Tigz Rice Studios

How did you choose your stage name?

I had to pick very quickly because it all started up very quickly. Dubois is the surname of one of my favorite characters in a play – Blanche Dubois in Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. I also later realized it meant ‘Wood’ which matches my real surname (Woodward) – a happy coincidence. As for Coco, it just kind of fitted. When it was suggested, it felt right. Helped of course by my utter love for Coco Chanel perfume!

Photographer Credit: Tigz Rice Studios

You have recently moved from hosting shows into performing Burlesque acts – what brought about this move?

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, for myself more than anyone else. I’ve only created one act so far and I hope to do more in the future but want to seriously take my time in creating them.

One of the main reasons I created a burlesque strip tease is for my own confidence. I adore how burlesque holds high the curvaceous woman, burlesque should be a celebration of whatever body you are blessed with.

I grew up wanting to be a popstar or a famous actress and everyday came face to face with the washboard abs of the Britneys and the Christinas and I used to give myself a hard time believing that I could never be like them. I struggled with eating disorders and a warped view on health. I like to think that my stepping into burlesque was a final ‘BOG OFF’ to all those feelings, that I can be ME onstage and I can look HOT, whether it’s the day after Christmas lunch or the day after a month of exercise.

I don’t think the striptease side of things is necessarily a career change of path for me, I’m just dipping my toes in everything to see what I like. And how blessed am I to be able to do that?!

Photographer Credit: Tigz Rice Studios

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations?

Oh zillions. Of course, Marilyn Monroe, she helped me believe I could be sexy and she’s so FUNNY. People never remember that. She has me in stitches in every film. That girl knew what she was doing in front of a camera. When she sings ‘My Heart Belongs to Daddy’ in an oversized sweatshirt – PHWOAR!.

Liza Minelli is a HUGE inspiration to me, particularly for her acting/storytelling through song. Within a 3 minute piece of music she takes you on a complete journey. And her vulnerability is divine. Even at her age now. I saw her at the Albert Hall last year (on my own, I’m very sad) and she was incredible. And happy to take the mickey out of herself too.

Non-performer wise I worked with a great man who has now unfortunately passed away, Professor Bruce Kirle. He was a musical director from New York who used to play for the likes of Chita Rivera in LaMamas back in the day. He taught me all about the intricacies of acting through song, telling a story, making your audience feel something and that everything leads back to either sex or food. That’s what we humans live for!

 

Marilyn Monroe ** Liza Minelli

Professor Bruce Kirle

Tell us a little about your favourite experiences so far

Oh there are lots. An unbelievable one was when I hosted to 2000 people in Milan in Italian. And no, I don’t speak Italian. I got my script translated and off I went. I broke up with my fella the night before and had had no sleep. It was all a crazy blur. I remember the words coming out of my mouth and the Italians laughing at my jokes and I couldn’t believe it. I also remember looking to the wings and seeing a gaggle of British burlesque performers with their mouths wide in disbelief that I was actually pulling it off!!!

Another favourite time was hosting The Hurly Burly show in the West End this summer. I had an excellent time with some fabulous ladies including the divine Miss Polly Rae. I loved being her little fire cracker, getting them all pumped up for her entry and performing skits and comedy songs with the girlies.

Sometimes though, the best nights happen when you least expect them to. Sometimes a random Thursday night in the basement of a club in the city can result in the best show ever. It all depends on whatever line up you have that night, and most importantly, the eagerness of the audience.

Another amazing experience was filming the ‘Too Cabaret’ video with Frisky and Mannish and many other Cabaret greats. We have such a hard-working flourishing BLOODY LOVELY industry. When I’m older and rich I’m going to open an old peoples home for ex-cabaret performers. I want Mat Ricardo whipping off the table cloth under my porridge and Betsy Rose tassel twirling in the kitchen and the Incredible Hula Boy hula-ing while we watch Come Dine With Me.

Coco DuBois, Polly Rae, Rachel Muldoon and Peggy DeLune: Hurly Burly Press Night 2012

Have you ever had any stage nightmares?

Oh I’m sure there’s been a few. Some I can’t actually mention on here ;-P.

One of my favourite times was when I was singing ‘Stormy Weather’. I’d told the audience that I was single and this was my song of grief and longing. As the song reached the climax, my gorgeous sound guy pressed the wrong button and ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyonce came BLASTING through the speakers. Needless to say I was in stitches. I can’t even sing a song about my failed love life successfully!

Saying that, that’s what live cabaret is and that is the utter JOY of it. And us performers would be nothing without our incredible tech team and stage kittens. So THANK YOU.

Coco DuBois and Taz Zebrowski: London Cabaret Awards 2012

Tell me something no one would suspect about you

I am terrified of hosting! (I probably shouldn’t mention that on here!!!) I mean, I’ve been performing my entire life and it’s rare that I get nerves but MY GOD, hosting is a scary thing to do. At the moment I’m in quite a good place where I feel I can handle whatever is thrown at me, but it’s taken me a long time to find that ‘happy place’. It was never something I wanted to do! When I was just singing at the beginning of my 'Coco career' I had one gig a week and the rest of the time I was waitressing or balloon modelling while dressed as a mime on the streets outside Madame Tussauds. Yes. So when the email came along asking if I could host, what do you think the answer was!?

I’m a firm believer in ‘Do one thing every day that scares you’ so I guess I’m on the right track…

Photographer Credit: Tigz Rice Studios

Finally, any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?

Take your time, nurse your craft, find what it is to be you and what you want to present. Never rush an act, and storytelling is the best way, be it through song or movement. Saying that, don’t take TOO long, come on in! Welcome! The more the merrier, and the water’s lovely.

Photographer Credit: Garry Lake

More Coco

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Merrily We Roll Along

Interview - Coco Malone

Ladies and Gentlemen; introducing Coco Malone - Jazz songbird and Cabaret darling. Based in the North West of England she can often be found travelling the length and breadth of the country gracing many a stage. She also performs with her fabulous band "Root and Groove Element"

Trained in song and dance from a young age and having had much experience performing for both intimate and large audiences she can soothe away your cares with classic jazz or knock you off your feet with a dazzling showtune. You'll certainly be left wanting more...

You'll certainly be left wanting more...

Photographer Credit: Kate Donovan

What was your first experience of Burlesque and Cabaret, and what inspired you to start yourself?

I've always been fascinated by years gone by and it probably stems, in part, from my love of old Hollywood musicals. From a musical point, my love of jazz goes right back to listening to my dad's vinyl when I was young. I can remember being about 5 years old and dancing round the living room to Ray Charles and Nat King Cole. Putting all of that together, I was one of those children who annoyed their parents by always wanting to put on 'shows', which they'd politely have to endure on a regular basis!

About 5 years ago, my interest lead me to burlesque and the first show I attended was Carnival Divine in Manchester - I LOVED it! Then followed a burlesque workshop with Bella Besame, which I also loved!I'd always planned on going to study dance and performing arts but my life took a very different turn and I ended up having my two children by the age of 19. After staying at home with them for their first few years, I trained to be then worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse but never really felt that was what I was 'supposed' to be doing. I was desperate to sing and dance again but I'd lost pretty much all of my confidence and self belief. To cut a long story short my dance teachers (I still attended lessons) showed faith in me, supported me and put me back on a stage to sing. One of the the most terrifying, yet liberating moments of my life. The rest, as the saying goes, is history!

"(My debut) was one of the most terrifying yet liberating moments of my life."

You are one of the premier Cabaret singer on the scene – how do you choose which songs to sing?

One of the premier cabaret singers on the scene? Haha! That's nice! Oh, songs! There are so many of them! Plain and simply, the songs I sing are the songs I love. I feel very lucky in that I'm rarely asked to sing songs that I don't identify with. I suppose because I'm a jazz / soul singer, people expect me to sing jazz and soul. I've never, thankfully, been asked to sing any N-Dubz and I don't anticipate that happening any time soon!
Sometimes, people will ask for specific songs, but most of the time I'm left to compile my own set lists and that's sometimes down to the kind of venue / show / audience but mostly down to what I fancy doing on the night! My current favourite to sing is 'Teach Me Tonight'.

My current favourite song is 'Teach me Tonight'

Photographer Credit: InaGlo Photography

Not many people realise you also used to perform as a Burlesque Dancer. What brought about the move away from dancing to performing solely as a Singer?

Ah, you have a good memory. I did indeed do a short spell, performing as a burlesque dancer, right back at the beginning. It was probably only for about six months – one year. It felt like there was too much to focus on - choosing songs, singing, rehearsing, choreography, costuming, etc. Also, I wanted the audience (and myself) to be clear on who I was as a performer - I felt like I was spreading myself too thinly so decided to focus solely on singing. I did used to sing a lot of show tunes too but unless I'm specifically asked, I now just stick to jazz and soul. Even though all of this was a big reason for moving away from burlesque performing, there was another underlying reason - my propensity for being a perfectionist! In pretty much all areas of my life, I'm a person who will do something to a ridiculous degree and want to be the very best - or I won't do it at all. And burlesque performing was no different. I had a pretty solid background in dance, in the form of ballet and jazz, and I considered myself to be 'ok' when it came to burlesque but if I couldn't do it as well as the performers I loved (namely Anna Fur Laxis, Missy Malone and Vicky Butterfly) then I didn't want to do it at all. And that was that.

"I'm a person who will do something to a ridiculous degree and I want to be the very best."

Photographer Credit: InaGlo Photography

Who are your biggest influences and inspirations?

My biggest influences - they would be Billie Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Bessie Smith and Amy Winehouse. I love so many more but theirs are the songs I listen to the most. It's their music that frequently moves me to tears and makes me feel something that I couldn't and wouldn't want to put into words. And that's one of my biggest motivations for songwriting and performing - I want the audience to be able to share in that feeling. I hope they do.......

 

Billie Holliday ** Sarah Vaughan

 

Ray Charles ** Dinah Washington

 

Bessie Smith ** Amy Winehouse

Tell us a little about your favourite experiences so far

Wow, trying to find favourite experiences is hard! I love so much of it. Getting to perform in places like Paris and Rome has been amazing but I've had equally wonderful times here in the UK. Being able to walk into a dressing room anywhere and instantly being able to have a wonderful time with people - I've made so many good friends whose creativity is so inspiring. Although, Julien Macdonald was in the audience once and gave me some personal styling tips after my performance - that was pretty cool!

"Julien Macdonald...gave me personal styling tips!"
Photographer Credit: Scott Chalmers Photography

Tell me something no one would suspect about you

I can tell you a couple of things no one would suspect about me! I'm afraid of the dark and have slept with the landing light and the radio on and the covers right over my head ever since first watching ET when I was about 5 years old! Also, I am a MASSIVE Whitesnake fan. I think I just felt like I needed to confess that!

I'm afraid of the dark!

Finally; any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?

I always feel flattered and honoured when a new singer comes to me for advice. I give them as much support as I can - because of some negativity I experienced when starting out. It can be a daunting experience, moving into the performing world and I couldn't do anything else but try and make that a little easier for someone else. I would say, though, know your strengths and limitations and work with these. In my opinion, everyone has a talent, they just lie in different places. Keep working on your performance, watch the performers who inspire you, go to see lots of shows, ask lots of questions and be prepared to work hard - it's worth it!

"Know your strengths and limitations... be prepared to work hard - it's worth it!"

Photographer Credit: Darkstar Imaging

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Interview - Amelie Soleil

Amelie Soleil, circus performer, sideshow spectacle and modern curiosity has trod the boards from music hall to Opera Houses via nightclub and even a show-boat. With a history in theatre and dance, Amelie spent three years at professional circus school before being fully submerged in the cabaret industry. Currently on world tour with Piff The Magic Dragon, Amelie is based in London, produces for Burlexe and writes & directs whilst running Dr Sketchy Newcastle, keeping strong links to her beloved North East.

Picture Credit: Hira Jikonne

What was your first experience of Burlesque or Cabaret?

On a basic level, having seen revue shows and old photos and been in various productions of Bugsy Malone & Cabaret. At circus school, I was heavily influenced by the work coming from Australia, particularly Vulcana Circus who very much displayed a vaudeville aesthetic. When I saw the work of San Francisco based Yard Dogs and the subsequent Teatro Zinzanni shows I was just in love. The muted colours, spit and sawdust, DIY philosophy mixed with glitter and furious optimism really caught me. I knew I wanted more than traditional circus.

Picture Credit: Chris White - 2007

"What? Balloon Pops don't need to be 'normal' balloons!"

You are a trained circus performer – what convinced you to take the steps into Burlesque?

Honestly, it was injury. I'd been performing a 'Moulin Rouge' inspired spinning trapeze act in a touring show when I managed to nearly tear my own foot off in a a rope fall. I couldn't walk for a few weeks and was rather concerned. When production asked if I could still dance, especially if I would choreograph a fan dance I didn't sleep for three days with excitement. I could barely hold the fans, as a juggler I kept forgetting the point was to keep myself covered up and kept spinning and throwing the fans instead. Unique I guess...

My first show went really much better than expected, when my foot healed I discovered I wanted to continue exploring work on the floor and thought burlesque could be a new story-telling platform for this.

Picture Credit: Miss Rain Photography

How long does it take you to create a new act?

If the act is simply a dance piece then perhaps a few weeks. For example, my Louis Fuller tribute Serpentine was created quickly then developed through performance. Since the costume took so long to get 'right,' it's still being tweaked every time I perform and will even have a new illusion aspect to it from 2013.

Magic acts need to be tested in front of an audience, especially when I'm nervous. Circus acts might take months to just perfect a single move that lasts thirty seconds. Getting an extra inch lower in a position can take years to achieve.

However, I'm a great believer in 'death by fire' and throwing an act out there early so you know what works and what doesn't before investing too much.

"I'm a great believer in 'Death by Fire' "

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations?

My inspiration pool is so very deep it's difficult to pinpoint where it begins. From Judy Garland to Katy Perry, Noel Coward to Kanye West and Finnish fairytale to Pixar ponderings.

Music tends to be my biggest inspiration, if I hear a piece that conjures imagery then an act often comes from that. I adore tracks with underlying melody that can be interpreted. For example, Massive Attack's 'Paradise Circus' doesn't scream performance but is absolutely transformative on a theatre stage through a decent sound system. This was actually accidentally played from my iPod at a gig last year, I'd been announced and realised it wasn't my act music but thought 'let's go with this...' Now I've actively added it to my repertoire. I'm a huge believer in artistic accident.

However, I do fall back on the same images often, Tim Burton -esque colour palettes, early 20th Century European decayed music hall and the sometimes glam and glitz of 1950's America. I find it hard to do 'beautiful' or 'showgirl' as my inspirations tend to be less decadent.

 

Judy Garland ** Katy Perry

 

Noel Coward ** Kanye West

 

Finnish Fairytales ** Disney's Pixar

Tell us a little about your favourite experiences so far...

Blimey, I don't know where to start so recently... I have marvellous experiences every day.

Performing at The Sydney Opera House, tap dancing with a drag queen on the same stage as Judy Garland, Nuryev and more.

My birthday pizza parties at Edinburgh Fringe and the utter delight of the 'Craparet' event and how beautiful hearted cabaret folk really are.

Visiting a zoo in Germany with Dusty Limits, Audacity Chutzpah and The Folly Mixtures and being attacked by almost flying monkeys.

Tap dancing with Mat Ricardo (who I wrote an essay on at circus school) and a calvacade of showgirls for London Varieties.

Having a show I care so very deeply about nominated for an award and not even being upset we didn't win because I was so proud.

"I'm a huge believer in artistic accident."

Tell me something no one would suspect about you

That despite my constant travel rants, I absolutely adore travelling. I get excited about trains to new places and spend hours just staring at the countryside, writing and listening to music. I'm a huge hip hop fan and I don't drink nearly as much as people think I do...

"Brrrap!"

Finally, any words of advice for newcomers to the scene?

Don't be so frightened to take risks, you can do anything and forgive most things on this scene. I'd much rather see a poorly executed concept than a choreographed to hell cliche. You'll develop your own way, make tons and tons of mistakes and waste a lot of money. You'll fight with promoters, have to pay for travel rather than food and ultimately have to decide if this is what you really want. It isn't all glitter and bubbly wine but it's absolutely worth fighting for. Cabaret is finally going somewhere and you are in for very very interesting times...

"...you are in for very interesting times!"

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