Lady Alex: compare/host, burlesquer and company director of Wam Bam Club burst onto the Cabaret scene in 2005. Her fiery blend of no nonsense comparing, comedy and edgy satirical burlesque has been a unique feature of the Wam Bam Club since she first created it in 2006. Now, in its seventh year, Wam Bam is the longest running weekly burlesque supper Club in the country and a household name. Resident at the ornate Cafe de Paris, Lady Alex and her troupe perform to packed houses every Saturday night. As their carefully choreographed routines are only performed at Wam Bam it gives the show an exclusive appeal at makes Wam Bam the ultimate destination for cabaret virgins and seasoned fans.

2013 is the year Lady Alex adds a new string to the Wam Bam bow, a brand new Friday night show at the Bloomsbury Ballroom. Launching on 26th April 2013, this spectacular new venture promises all the charm and hilarity synonymous with the Wam Bam brand but on a larger scale than ever before. Kerenza Evans chats to Lady Alex to find out what new thrills she has in store:

Kerenza Evans: So, Lady Alex, you’ve been hailed as the Queen of London burlesque and you’re the creator of the famous Wam Bam Club – the longest running burlesque supper club in the country. How does this new venture at the Bloomsbury Ballroom differ from what you’ve done before?

Lady Alex: Each venue has a different appeal and requires a different kind of show. This Bloomsbury Ballroom is a very large gorgeous art deco ballroom so I have structured a show which will showcase its beauty.

We have a large troupe of dancers, Wam Bam Belles and Wam Bam Buff Boys and the show will be led by the large troupe routines. We have two stages to double the fun and you can expect more of a speak easy feel to it. Think Great Gatsby but with a cheeky modern twist. 

KE: The Great Gatsby is one of my favourite books so that definitely appeals to me! And what do you think sets you apart from other burlesque artists in your field?

LA:What I deliver is a whole burlesque experience. I work with a very talented troupe of dancers who frame all our routines and add a cheeky, sassy angle. I started life in the comedy world so satire and comedy are very important to me. I design the show as a whole and plan every act, be it aerial or circus or burlesque - it's all part of a journey. I want to take the audience on an adventure into burlesque with lots of high energy, fun and giggles along the way.

KE: Tell us how you decided upon a career in burlesque? Was this your goal from the outset or were you led here through more traditional forms of dance?

LA: I was an actor and doing the rounds on the stand up circuit when I saw an advert for a nipple tassel twirling class. I have always had a soft spot for all thing vintage and love the films, clothes and icons of the 40s and 50s. So I thought I would get my breasts out for an afternoon's twirling course and see what happens ...

What did, in fact, happen was an amazing life changing experience. It was such a fun and liberating experience that I was instantly hooked. Through burlesque I could be sexy and powerful and also incorporate comedy routines and bring satire to a whole new level. I've never looked back!

KE: And do you find that there’s less of a taboo around burlesque these days? I once heard it described as ‘Stripping for Posh People’. Care to refute these claims?

LA: If you come to a Wam Bam event you will find the audience is 80% female. Women love burlesque because it is glamorous, fun, sexy but most importantly empowering - a positive force for women. We take our clothes off and do a big reveal which is in effect stripping but the performance is in no way seedy or for the overt sexual gratification of men. After seven years of sell out shows I think the show and our customers would all rate burlesque as much more than stripping full stop.

KE: Do you choreograph your own dances? How long does it typically take to master a single routine?

LA: The routines we are creating for the Bloomsbury Ballroom Wam Bam nights are more of a collaborative effort. We have such a large pool of dancers that it's nice to get everyone to add a little of their own character to the mix.

In the past I have choreographed my own routines, but with troupe numbers I like to work with other choreographers as it brings fresh new things to the table. I always provide the concept and the music and they put the fine detail on top. We've been working on the Bloomsbury Ballroom show for the last month as it involves a lot of routines and some rather elaborate costumes and massive wigs ... and a huge boat ... But I am not revealing any more. You will have come and see for yourself...

KE: I certainly shall! Also, I hear that you’re using a variety of ‘tools’ to tease and provoke the willing audience. Sounds intriguing! So, give us a hint as to what sort of things inhabit your toolbox?

LA: Hahah my reputation proceeds me. I have a few tried and tested methods to get the audience to obey my every command, like my diamond encrusted leather riding crop. But most of it is just me and a few physical skills I've learnt along the way. 

I have a great stare that gets men on all fours in seconds - it's like a vulcan death grip but without the risk of breaking a nail...

KE: Aha, and on that note, a lot of your routine involves some fairly outlandish audience participation – do you sometimes struggle to find willing spectators or is this audience usually eager to join in?

LA: I am resolute and I never fail.

Women are always up for getting involved. I think there is a good amount of female solidarity and they are happy to assist me, but men are more resistant.  But I have my ways and afterwards they always tell me how much they enjoyed it. I would never do anything awful to anyone. It's a positive show not about humiliation more celebration.

KE: What is your most memorable performance in your career to date?

LA: Doing a bit of audience participation, I picked on a gentleman I thought I could handle and when I got him on stage I discovered it was Alex Reid the Cage fighter! He gave me a playful smack on the bum which near on winded me! Hilarious. Still he was on all fours before he knew it ...

KE: And gave you a great story to tell! So have you encountered much burlesque and cabaret in cities abroad? I know that Paris has a thriving burlesque scene but what do other countries have to offer?

LA: I've seen burlesque in quite a few different countries, it is always amazing to see different styles. Paris is very different to Vegas for example. I am going to Romania in May to help establish a show out there. Should be an interesting trip.

However, nothing beats coming home for a good bit of British burlesque, with a stiff upper lip and a nice dose of satire. 

KE: Your new shows features a nine-piece swing band ‘The Top Shelf’ at the Bloomsbury Ballroom – how do you set about choosing the music that will accompany your routines? Do you work with the band to create unique pieces or have you tailored your routines to fit some traditional swing numbers?

LA: The Top Shelf have their own brilliant fast paced style which suits us very well and is great to dance to. They will be playing two sets for the after show so the audience can enjoy dancing to them too.

For the show I like routines to have a good pace to them. I often use remixes to mix the old with the new. So it will have an element of traditional swing with a very modern twist. We are quite eclectic in our styles and musicality in the show which makes it fun for an audience and keeps them on their toes. Top Shelf are too - so we fit together well. It's going to be quite an epic performance.

KE: It certainly sounds like it! And lastly, any advice to London’s aspiring burlesque performers as to how to break into the industry?

LA: Firstly I would say do your research. Learn about the history of burlesque to get a real sense of where its come from and what it is today. Go and see lots of performances and finally find your own unique style. Something that reflects your personality. No one wants to see a carbon copy of Dita Von Teese. They want new fresh and genuine performers who have a real love of their craft. Finally never take yourself too seriously. Burlesque is many things but first and foremost it is entertainment and fun.

Many thanks to Lady Alex for a fascinating interview! Wam Bam at the brand new venue of the Bloomsbury Ballroom commences its shows on 26th April 2013. Tickers are available now but will sell out fast so for more information or to book tickets, visit her website here.