Kitty Cointreau's Brahaha

Kitty Cointreau's formatting may not be new – burlesque originally shared the bill with comedians – but it certainly is rare in the neo-cabaret scene. Her decision to link stand up and striptease did prove controversial at first. However, she displayed a sensitivity in supporting the Scottish scene during the Fringe, and tonight's comedian compere, Mr Wil Hodgson is an excellent choice. His humour is gentle and inclusive, a far cry from the machismo swagger that blights the circuit, and he promotes an atmosphere both safe and supportive.

The audience, which, typically for burlesque, is both male and female and with more groups of women than men, is enthusiastic throughout, despite the awkwardness of the venue's raked seated. There is a delicious irony, however, in this old school room becoming a home for hedonism.

The presence of cabaret celebrities Piff the Magic Dragon and Pippa The Ripper quickly lifts the room. Piff is, as always, a sardonic pleasure. It is never quite clear whether Piff is an unwilling comedian trussed up in an outlandish costume or a genuine attempt to be a dragon. His ill temper is gorgeously playful, his nonchalance charms. For a card shark and stand up comedian, Piff is brilliantly introverted.

Pippa The Ripper is a perennial cabaret favourite. When most hula-hoopers are content to spin a couple of hoops, Pippa covers her body in day-glo, flashing hoops, funking to a disco soundtrack and literally lighting up the stage.

The burlesque is equally impressive: from Scotland's finest Cat Aclysmic through New York's erotic Peekaboo Pointe to Kitty Cointreau's innocent glamour. Cat Aclysmic's two routines highlight her conceptual intelligence – The She-Devil hides a cunning transformation beneath the demonic glitz, while her Bearded Lady has the best punchline north of London. Peekaboo Pointe has that American dynamism that emphasises her obvious dance skill, and Cointreau herself glitters the stage with her mixture of sweet style and sophisticated cosplay.

The Brahaha is a splendid late night addition, both to Zoo's programme and the cabaret scene. It might share acts with other nights, but has its own relaxed ambiance and the introduction of comedians as a core component is a reminder that burlesque is about laughter as much as sensual thrills. Hopefully, it will return from across the Border before next year's Fringe.