High Quality Tease

Although it is not part of the Festival, High Tease made an excellent start to Glasgow’s week of cabaret. Already known for its chic residency at Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms, they're now teaming up with Vegas to present A Night of a Thousand Stars, The Ministry of Burlesque’s flagship - lovingly curated by the marvellous Blonde Ambition. Host Dusty Limits is an inspired choice: his acerbic interludes keep the show running smoothly, and his duet with Des O’Connor tickles the funny bone of Freudian neurosis. A cavalcade of exotic dancers, an Elvis impersonator and the off-beat contortions of Chris Cross perfectly suits the luxurious Fruitmarket venue, readying the enthusiastic audience for Vegas, rocking into the small hours. High Tease has both burlesque humour and variety’s diversity: Missy Malone proves why she is one of Britain’s most famous purveyors of old school bump and grind, and the elegant Persia Portia enchants with her balloon dance. Jim Devereuax might not have been an expected choice, but his Elvis impersonation segued suavely from High Tease’s revue into Vegas’ dance-floor delights. Kitsch enough to soften the eroticism of burlesque without losing its professionalism or energy, the night captures the ambience of both nightclub and intimate show. Mover and Shaker Malady de Winter plays with humour and sensuality: against this, Chris Cross arrives with the awkward power of a contortionist used to working the streets. And pushing it all along with impeccable timing, and a sharp wit just on the right side of good taste, Dusty Limits is a star in his own right. The range of talent on stage is breathtaking. The strip-tease is followed by a jazz singalong, Des O’Connor uses his ukulele to find the laughter in the pain of cheap alcohol: despite the size of the venue, the atmosphere is jovial and familiar. Combined with the arrival of a casino and the Vegas dancers, this is a night for dressing up and showing off.