Opera and Burlesque become unlikely but willing bedfellows in Club Noir and Scottish Opera’s One Night at the Opera, a theatrical one night stand that showcases the best in contemporary burlesque and Scottish opera talent. Combining distinguished singers with some of the performers from the biggest burlesque group in the world, this show could be one of the festival highlights this year.
Comprised of over ten different Club Noir acts, from Tina Tsarina’s classic and glamorous burlesque act, to the more modern sights of Morgan Le Faye’s Return of the Zombie Stripper and the real Chelsea Dagger, were paired with the sounds of 6 of Scottish opera’s finest singers, including Nadine Livingston and Nicky Spence. Featuring familiar songs, such as Brindisi from La Traviata, O Sole Mio and Nessun Dorma, amongst others, the show showcases the power of music, magic and of course, striptease.
Compered by Club Noir creator Daddy Single and hosted by Robert Jones, this was a night of sheer Vaudevillian decadence and operatic excess that smashed the worlds of burlesque and opera together to create a truly unmissable Fringe treat. Rich in song, dance and comedy, the playful nature of burlesque linked perfectly with the drama of opera. Powerful, but never exclusive, this is a show that takes the audience back to another place, another time, to create an authentic tribute to the combined power and passion of both art forms. Featuring scantily clad performers, sexual innuendo and a sensual atmosphere throughout, this show will not be for everyone, but while some may disagree with the amount of flesh that was paraded throughout the show, the audience loved it, and gave standing ovations to the singers and dancers alike. Fun, fashionable, but above all, titillating, this co-production between two highly respected bodies was a roaring success, with the only complaint being that it seemed to finish that little bit too quickly.