A GLAMOROUS and outrageous evening of burlesque delighted an audience at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre.

Viva Burlesque featured top burlesque beauties Vicky Butterfly, Felicity Furore, Cherry Shakewell and Jeanie Wishes, in a show pitched with a vintage Hollywood theme.

The cabaret featured riotous adult humour and was hosted by former EastEnders star Carli Norris and the Mercury’s pantomime dame Antony Stuart-Hicks, alongside special guest Craig Mather – who starred in Les Miserables in the West End.

Ms Norris praised her talented team for staging an “incredible night” for the audience.

“Our first show was about five years ago at the Arts Centre and we wanted to take it to a bigger audience,” she said.

“I wanted to create a variety show, kind of Morcambe and Wise-based, with sketches and funny songs.”

She said the show featured some of the best cabaret talents in the country.

“There was audience participation – for anyone brave enough to sit in the front row. It went down really well,” she said.

“There has long been a misconception that burlesque is something sordid or twisted, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

“It was formed years and years ago in Ancient Greece and is about ridiculing the hierarchy.”

The show features some of the finest burlesque stars and top actors from across the country, including experienced West End talents, singers and dancers.

The team will host Viva Burlesque – At The Copacabana, at the Mercury, on September 23 at 7.30pm.