I've been a Sugababes fan since I first heard Overload way back in 2000. It was, and still is, a pop classic. Over the years, I managed to catch them live a couple of times. The first time I caught Sugababes live was way back at Creamfields 2002. Unfortunately Siobhan had left the band by then and been replaced by Heidi, so I never got to see the original lineup. Did it matter much at the time to me? No, not at all, I was just their to party! As a side note, post Sugababes, Siobhan went on to release two solo albums, Revolution in Me in 2003 and Ghosts in 2007. The next time I saw them was at Oxegen 2008, and by then Mutya had left the band and was replaced by Amelle, leaving Keisha as the only remaining original member. It was a tad strange seeing the band with only one remaining member, but again, it was a festival and all we were looking for was a good time, which we definitely got! Another side note, just like Siobhan, Mutya went on to release her own solo work, a gr
It had been a few years since I'd visited Athlone, so, when I got the opportunity to shoot the Only After Dark Burlesque Show, I took it and made the most of the night!
I started off meeting friends in Dead Centre Brewing for a few glasses of lemonade and a bite to eat. It was very nice, staff were great, food was delicious, what more could you want?
After that, it was time for a change of scenery, a change of pace and definitely, a change in atmosphere. It was time for a bit of Burlesque!
Only After Dark takes place upstairs in the Dark Horse, in a large open space, nicely decorated and, most importantly, with it's own bar. During the show, to cut down on unnecessary movements, bar staff come to your table and take your orders, it makes for a very pleasant experience!
So, who performed on the night? Well, the hostess, and indeed the lady behind Only After Dark, Miss Memphis Shell opened proceedings with a traditional burlesque routine, ending in nipple tassel twirling greatness.
Once the audience calmed down and caught their breath, we were then joined on stage by the current, and longest reigning Miss Burlesque Ireland, Bella Curve, who showed us all just why she holds that title!
Next up on stage was the fantastic Maiya, who I first met at Fuego Fatale earlier this year. No fire tonight, but I don't think anyone cared, ger performance was just hot!
Following on from Maiya, was the current Heart of Ireland, Daria Décolleté, who brought her beautiful big feathers to hide behind! I do love a good feather dance!
I first met Avatar at the Ho Ho Ho'cial fundraiser just before Christmas. I don't have that much experience watching male pole dancers, but he makes it look so easy. Looks can be deceiving though!
Next up was the very gothic, Pole Bat. I'd previously met her at the Candlelight Cabaret, but this was my first time seeing her perform. She put on a stunning pole routine that I really enjoyed.
The final act before the mid show break was the wonderful Leela Baron. If you've been following my blog for the last 6 months, you'll know that I've seen Leela perform on multiple occasions. Tonight, she brought something I'd not seen before, at least in a dance routine, cream... Amazing.
Then it was time for a break, some folk went for pints, others for a smoke, me? I sat in a corner looking at the photos I'd taken, wondering if any of them would turn out ok. Self doubt can be an annoying bastard!
The second half kicked off and we were treated to another pole performances from Avatar. Was it any good, well, if the screams from the audience were anything to go by, yes, yes it was!
Next up, Pole Bat treated us to, well, a chair dance I suppose...She performed some superb acrobatic moves in, on and around a chair, without getting stuck!
Bella Curve then ran to the stage with the daintiest of runs you've ever seen... Like something straight out of a cartoon. She then proceeded to remove most of her clothing.
Leela Baron was then back on stage, and she performed a floor routine that I'm having trouble putting in to words. Just look at the photos.
Then, to bring the night to a close, Daria Décolleté was back onstage and she also, in the end, managed to remove most of her clothing also! I can't think of many better ways to close out a night!
So yeah, that was Only After Dark Burlesque Show in Athlone. Would I recommend it? Most definitely. It's a fantastic show, in a great venue, run by the brilliant Miss Memphis Shell. Go see the next show!
Now for a few photos from the night:
