Review: Bowled over by Blues and Burlesque, Fringe 2024

(BFB) Burlesque fan Birdy was excited to head back to Blues and Burlesque for Fringe, having been blown away by their show last year. Somehow it managed to be even better this time around!

When I rocked up at the Voodoo Rooms for the first time this Fringe, I was really looking forward to seeing Belle de Beauvoir and Pete Saunders back on stage, as I’d had such a great time of it watching their show last year (and you can read my previous review here).

The format

This is not your typical burlesque cabaret show. For a start, it’s a duo act; Pete and Belle command the stage expertly and professionally, with Pete first introducing the show, soon joined by Belle.

With live music and singing, and some absolutely gorgeous outfits throughout, there’s never a dull moment.

And if you’ve ever been to burlesque cabaret show before, you’ll know it’s your job to ‘whoop’ and applaud when you see something you like – those rules still apply, although it feels a bit more intimate than some.

The vibe

Be prepared to be highly entertained by Belle and Pete’s unique brand of chemistry and banter. It’s an intimate feeling, self aware kind of show with plenty of funny, jaw-dropping, sexy and even sentimental moments.

Showing in the Ballroom, it was pretty busy, filled with good vibes, and a supportive crowd. Everyone’s there to have a good time, and the gents I was sitting next to were all big blues fans who also fancied the idea of “something a bit sexy” to end their night. I could tell they were delighted by just how sexy.

The show itself

So, how does it compare to last year? Well, I have to say, it was even better, with even more Pete and Belle interaction (it was ALL Pete and Belle this year – no extra guests required), a little more audience participation, and somehow simultaneously more nudity AND a performance in a full King Kong outfit.

It felt like a funnier, more developed show this year, and after a little introduction from Pete, we were launched right into it with Belle entering the stage wearing a faux fur jacket and not much underneath; soon it was on the floor.

It was a good way of easing the tension and starting as we meant to go on!

Belle’s stage presence felt even stronger this year, her voice is amazing as always and she’s been described as a ‘triple threat’. I have to agree; she’s still an absolute powerhouse performer, and dazzles whether she’s in a sparky outfit, or a full gorilla suit with the audience throwing paper planes at her.

We also get to hear about how seasoned pro Pete was in Dexys Midnight Runners for a time (to the delight of one audience member in particular), and the origin story of how Blues and Burlesque came about – which is always nice, especially for those who hadn’t seen the show before.

Sadly there was no duck hat this year, but the gorilla outfit more than made up for it. I had a fabulous time at Blues and Burlesque!

Overall

If you’re looking for a sexy, smooth, highly entertaining show with live musical numbers and stunning performances, I can’t recommend Blues and Burlesque enough. Belle and Pete just work so well together, so you know you’re in safe hands, and the hour passes in no time.