Blues and Burlesque arrives with West End polish and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. At its core, it is exactly what Pete Saunders promises: “blues and burlesque, nothing more, nothing less.” But in practice, it’s a little more deliciously unpredictable than that.

Saunders, known for his work with Dexy’s Midnight Runners, spends the evening at the piano, sliding between smoky blues riffs, soulful originals and perfectly timed musical punchlines. His wit is bone-dry, his piano work richly textured, and together they form the perfect counterpoint to Belle de Beauvoir’s glittering theatricality.

Belle, dubbed the “Sparkling Diamond of Burlesque”, sweeps on stage in a flurry of sequins and feathers – and at one point, even an ape suit with red tassels. Her presence is both sultry and self-aware, pairing classic showgirl with razor-sharp comedic timing. Whether delivering a fan dance with a wink, serenading the audience with an ode to facial hair, or, yes, performing a King Kong ballad and striptease, she commits wholeheartedly. 

The chemistry between Pete and Belle is what elevates the show beyond a series of set pieces. Their banter is warm and well-timed, with the humour landing naturally. It’s cabaret in the truest sense: music, comedy, and spectacle woven together with a wink.

Sultry without being self-serious and slick without losing soul, Blues and Burlesque leaves you grinning – and, true to its reputation, wanting just one more song.