Glo Gray

"I first performed around 2004-5 and already was entering an established world of amazing performers and shows, and over the next 10 years I saw many come and go. I think it is important for people to know that burlesque was booming way back in the early 2000s and that today's popular events like HBBF had this history as its foundation. Here are some promoters and performers I have to mention (although some are no longer performing etc they made UK burly what it is today):

1. Ministry of Burlesque and Kittie Klaw-- there was a time when MoB was at the heart of the UK burlesque zeitgeist. Pre social media, they had a forum where everyone interacted. They did shows all over including a 'Movers and Shakers' event in London aimed at finding new talent. They still do shows in Bath and have a website https://ministryofburlesque.com/

2. Bella Besame and The Slippery Belle--- Bella built a thriving northern scene and was my teacher in Manchester. She had her show The Slippery Belle and gave opportunities to 100s of performers, as well as creating a thriving northern scene. Not sure if she still produces but she was instrumental since around 2004 to 2022 (last show as far as I can see online).

3. Vicky Butterfly-- Vicky was established when I started and is inspiring and innovative. She has a mini-doc where she talks about history, feminism etc in burlesque https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ge_uQ4b5rg

4. Afternoon Tease at Volupte -- This was THE show everyone wanted to do! It hosted all the best, in a small underground supperclub in London. There was a wall where you could sign your name after performing. Classy and magical. https://www.designmynight.com/.../holborn/volupt/review

5. Fanny Divine and Carnival Divine-- Another Manchester staple and a wonderful show. Fanny moved to Australia as far as I know! https://www.yelp.co.uk/.../manchester-carnival-divine-and...

6. Red Sarah-- one of the OG performers and fire queen! She still performs and is active I believe, and was instrumental in guiding newer performers in the early days

7. Gwendoline Lamour-- she was performing before the scene really burgeoned, performed for celebs, a bit like Immodesty Blaize in terms of reach and glam and status.

8. Ed Muir and Amelie Soleil-- two circus performers known for being Dorothy and for being the Girl in the Jar (Amelie) and Ed has his iconic diet coke pole act which could blow away any audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGWziozoeY4

9. Honey Wilde and her iconic Thatcher act: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZknUf553Se8

10. Crimson Skye and her Foxy Act: https://www.youtube.com/@crimsonvskye

11. Ginger La Rouge, Ivy Wilde and Me founding North West Burlesque Social-- the first social burlesque society which also offered the first burlesque internship to newcomers (learning the ropes running the soc etc)

12. Madam JoJos -- what a beautiful and historic club in Soho, really high stage! Hosted innumerable performers and is a real loss https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madame_Jojo%27s

13. Me with the world's only giant trampoline striptease and the Inspiring People in Burlesque Awards https://www.facebook.com/groups/592069154179712/media

14. Burlesque Bible, the first burlesque magazine to get in WHSmith, published in Hull!

15. Beatrix Von Bourbon-- she got to the semi finals in Britain's Got Talent, and was investigated by Ofcom! She was a great performer and sadly I think the negative attention from BGT contributed to her stopping performing. https://bgt.fandom.com/wiki/Beatrix_von_Bourbon. She also did the most beautiful fan dance act that I still watch sometimes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z_-KDrPEh4

15. A name shoutout: Diva Hollywood, Aurora Galore, Glory Pearl, Beatrix Von Bourbon, Beau Rocks, Danni California, Carrie Ann O'Dell, Katy Jones, Kiki Kaboom, Dusty Limits, Abigail Collins, Fancy Chance, Misty Vine, Lily Laundanum, Emerald Ace, Sherry Trifle, Mark & Sarah Bell/Kinky & Quirky, Lisa Sabotig/Dr Sketchies Birmingham, Liberty Pink, Kitty Bang Bang, Anna Fur Laxis, Vivacity Bliss, Snappy O'Shea, Gypsy Charms, Daiquiri Dusk, Heather Sweet, Warren Speed

16. An event shoutout: Good Ship Lollipop Manchester, Peacock Lounge Leicester, Electrotease Leicester, Slippery Belle Manchester, Carnivale Divine Manchester, Wet Spot Leeds, Dr Sketchies Birmingham, Kitty Kat Klub Manchester, Headline Honey's Stockton, Burly Q Sheffield, Casa Bellini Newcastle, House of Burlesque Portsmouth, Cabaret Roulette London, Sparkle Lounge Lancaster, Garter Lounge Black Country, Cats Pyjamas Grimsby, The Gilded Merkin Nottingham, Daisy Cutter, Eliza Delite."