THE SCARLET Vixens combined the cheeky and the geeky on Saturday, November 26, with their latest show, The Purple Geekshow.
Host Mojo Jones kicked off the show dressed as The Lord of the Rings’ Gimli, complete with chainmail, a helmet, a battleaxe, and a ginger beard.
She warned the crowd that the event would be “very, very daft,” as the troupe embraced its nerdy side.
Dutch-S performed first, appearing with a purple wig and pink bathrobe and escaping from a pair of handcuffs.
Miss Anticipation then performed a routine based on Tarzan, combining physical comedy and burlesque dressed in Jane’s signature explorer’s garb.
It included a skit with a stuffed snake which transitioned into 1920’s twist-esque dancing to audio from the original film adaptation.
Mariposa Bop returned to Lord of the Rings, menacing the audience while dressed in black robes, complete with a veil and scythe.
These were removed to reveal a full Hobbit costume for an accomplished hoop burlesque routine.
Layla Cherry was next, appearing in a black, silk robe and revealing into an Elektra costume, to perform a dance routine with twin Sai and fans.
King Crimson and Baz Yellow took to the stage to perform an audio skit featuring versions of Dr Spock and Captain Kirk who had fallen out over some cases of Romulan ale, resulting in a slap fight.
Mojo Jones returned to perform a ballad to an elf queen, played by Dutch-S, which broke into a live duet between the two.
Dutch-S remained to perform a dance routine to hard rock, finishing with a flourish by covering herself with a jug full of glitter.
Mariposa Bop also returned dressed as Jack Nicholson’s classic Joker, including a joke lapel flower, throwing handfuls of cash into the crowd as the routine continued.
Performers invited members of the crowd to take part in a Lord of the Rings and Squid Game mash-up version of musical statues, which was followed by Layla Cherry’s performance to a dark remix of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill.
Miss Anticipation closed the show performing She-Hulk, transitioning from a full power suit and green body paint to a silver and purple glittered bodice before the final curtain call.
Following the event, Mariposa Bop said of burlesque: “It is ‘to parody or imitate in an absurd or comically exaggerated way’, the roots of burlesque reside in satire, and surprisingly not in ‘sexiness.’
“We hold a mirror up to society and ourselves with our creative expression.
She says that her own work seeks to challenge conventions, too: “Everybody should be proud of the body that carries them– love the body you are in.
“Our audiences often feedback that it’s wonderful to see a show with many different body types as it’s relatable, we’re as human as they are and not idealized and unapproachable.
“Personally, often by playing the ‘horror’ characters, I like to challenge the conventions of ‘attractiveness’ in my own work.”
Dutch-S agreed, adding: “Burlesque is inclusive of everyone, and personally an act of self-care.
“I’m not toned, have a post-child, section body with all the wobbly bits, but on stage, I feel amazing, and the crowd is incredible.”
The Scarlet Vixens have been performing as a troupe for over a decade, and Dutch-S said that this was down to the fact that: “The Scarlet Vixens are a family,
“And I think this shows to the audience as well– everyone helps, encourages, and supports each other.
“Without this, there wouldn’t be a troupe.”
Layla Cherry added: “The fact that we all love what we do, the love we have for each other, and that we are all willing to work hard for it.
“And Tootsie Rocques, Mama Vixen, I think the rest of us would agree, has built the strongest foundations for us and kept us all going with her determination and iron will.”
Miss Anticipation said: “Burlesque has definitely evolved since I started performing 13 years ago– there’s a huge amount of variety in the shows now,
“I’m seeing drag involved a lot more now, especially the up-and-coming drag kings, something I’m starting to explore myself.
“Burlesque can literally be anything you want it to be, it really is open to variety.”
The Scarlet Vixens are also returning to the Purple Turtle for the Festive Floorshow, hosted by Loretta Von Dini.
They are also performing at The Rising Sun Arts Centre from 7.30pm on Saturday, December 17.
Tootsie Rocques, Mojo Jones. and Mariposa Bop will be joined by Miss Kitty Pimms, Lady Lisette Ruby, and King Crimson for Slayyy Belles.
Tickets and information are available via: www.thescarletvixens.com
