By Thom Kennedy

Last updated at 12:16, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

Cancan you believe it? Carlisle has a new burlesque night!

Lois Glasspool

Party-goers in the city have taken to wearing feather boas and fascinators at a new night which is dedicated to a love of the burlesque scene.

Called The Alleycat Club, organisers hope to establish the night as a monthly event, giving Carlisle clubbers a chance to put on their dancing shoes – and their corsets.

Lois Glasspool, who is originally from Bournemouth, set up the night after completing a course in music, theatre and drama at Carlisle’s former art college.

She said: “So far we’ve had a real mixture of people of all ages, and from all different backgrounds.

“We’ve had bikers, rockabilly fans, and younger people who have decided to try something new.

“People have been dressing up and getting into the swing of things, with a 50s retro vibe.

“We had people coming out of the woodwork and having a good dance – it’s a bit different to the normal things you would find on Botchergate.”

Lois, who performs burlesque dances at various events around the Carlisle area, has collaborated with Cumbrian DJs Lambhuna and Friends to establish the night.

Lois said: “The night is a combination of original, live burlesque entertainment, and retro rockabilly, surf, and soul music from the 50s and 60s.

“My aim is to bring back live, interactive variety entertainment that is accessible to people without having to travel to big cities or spend large amounts of cash on tickets.

“Carlisle’s nightlife has taken a dive in recent months with clubs and bars closing, and the cost of a night out forcing people to stay at home, so I’m trying to give people a reason to get dressed up and get out to be sociable.

“Before I did the night, I didn’t know if people would really get it, but it’s gone down well and people love getting dressed up.”

The next Alleycat Club will be held at the Spirit Bar in Crosby Street, Carlisle, on November 28. Entry costs £5.

First published at 11:23, Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk