Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Nightmares before Christmas

With just over a week to go before our December event, the last show of 2010, things are gearing up nicely. As Christmas is just around the corner we thought we'd celebrate in our own special way, with a little nod to the dark and twisted soul that is Tim Burton. Who said this time of year has to be full of carols and candy canes!

We've scoured the country for acts that would do our theme justice and oh boy have we found a couple of corkers! I've had the pleasure to perform on the same bill as both of these lovely ladies, strangely at the same show but on different nights, The Wet Spot in Leeds, which is without a doubt one of the best burlesque and cabaret shows in the UK so go along if you can.

So..... onto the performers.

Bringing us the character of Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas we have Suzie Sequin , a "burlesque performer, actress, singer, dancer and international pin-up model made up of classic rock n roll and vintage pin up glamour, with a bohemian streak!"





And for those of you who remember the Metz adverts Sherry Trifle's act The Judderman will be very familiar. She's a "truly scrumptious recipe for a little bit of fruity burlesque ........a whole lot of calorie-filled yummy naughtiness with lashings of cream and cherries on top." and quite fitting with a description like that she will also be bringing her giant trifle dish along to pose in as well!



This show will be at our usual venue Escucha on Fletcher Gate in Nottingham. Doors open at 12:30, the show will kick off at 1:00 and we'll be all wrapped up by 4:00. Tickets are on sale through the website http://www.drsketchynottingham.co.uk/ .


There will be competitions, prizes, cocktails, cupcakes and fun and we really hope to see you there!

Scarlett x

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Happy Birthday to us!

Saturday 14th August 2010 is Dr Sketchy Nottingham's first birthday!! What a year it's been! We want to thank the amazing line up of performers and models that have helped make our Sketchy branch such a success so far...

Diva Hollywood
Mysti Vine
Des O'Connor
Ryvita Von Cheese
Emerald Ace
Leyla Rose
Missy Malone
Anna Fur Laxis
Fanny Divine
Frankii Wilde
Zara Ann
Khandie Khisses
Lola Pops
Betty Jane
Jody Capuano
Malificent Martini
and Dee Christopher (sorry to anyone I've forgotten!)


So what do we have to offer you for our big birthday "Kiss me Quick" Summer Seaside show?

Here's a little taste of what's to come. Introducing.... Miss Leggy Pee!.... (and Charlie)








And that's not all.

As well as the lovely Leggy we have a bathing beauty all the way from Grimsby, Snappy O'Shea! Bringing her very fetching inflatable....

So if that's enough to tickle your fancy get your tickets from the usual place http://www.drsketchynottingham.co.uk/ dig out your buckets and spades, knot your best hankie in place and get down to Escucha for 12:30pm on Saturday!

See you there!

Scarlett x

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Dr Sketchy Nottingham at Delicious Burlesque Festival

A great time was had yesterday at Delicious in Derby! I was joined by Sketchy Nottingham regular Jake Gumbleton who had the fab idea of doing some live drawing, so we spent the afternoon chasing down pretty girls (Benny Hill style) to sit for us! We were later joined by another of our regulars Aiden and much beer was consumed!

Good times!

Big thanks to my dad who was a trooper, taking Scarletts place as Sketchy cohort for the day while she was performing at the Hot Rod Hayride!

Also huge congratulations to Elle Amour who was crowned Queen of the burlesque newcomers by myself, Kittie Klaw, Joe Black and Beatrix Von Bourbon. A definite star in the making!

Thanks to Shaz & Jules of Heresy n Heelz and the team at State if the Art events for putting on such a great event, the stalls and stage shows were fab and everything was super well organised! Kudos chaps I know how hard you must have worked!

xCharlotte







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Dr Sketchy Nottingham at Delicious Burlesque Festival Derby

I'm thrilled to annouce that we will be be representing Dr Sketchy at Delicious Burlesque Festival on July 31st 2010 with a stall showing off all the exciting things we've been up in 2009 and 2010.

Ther following is the press release for Delicious:-

31st July 2010 sees the launch of the UK’s ‘Greatest Burlesque
Experience’ - ‘Delicious’. With an expected attendance of over 1,000 guests itis likely to be one of the UK’s biggest and most unique events of its kind thisyear.

‘Delicious’ seeks to recreate the golden age of Burlesque, the glamour, the sequins, tassels and fans, the “ooohs” and the “aahhs”!

Open 2pm - 2am
Tickets from www.delicious-burlesque.com


Main Show - Great Hall 9pm
compèred by
Rosie Lugosi & Desmond O’Connor
Starring
Natsumi Scarlett
Kittie Klaw
Roxy Velvet
Beatrix Von Bourbon
Vicky Butterfly
Joe Black
Miss Pink & Fluffy
Mademoiselle Lili La Scala

Newcomers Competition - Great Hall 7pm
(which I will be co-judging with Kittie Klaw and Beatrix Von Bourbon)

Burlesque/Vintage/Alternative Market

Burlesque Beginners Tuition Workshop
(Ministry of Burlesque Academy)

Practical Skills Workshops
(Beatrix Von Bourbon)

Live Bands + DJ Mikey Wong

12 Hours of Burlesque Fun & Entertainment

The highlight of ‘Delicious’ will be a glittering stage-show adorned with luminaries of the International Burlesque and Cabaret Scene, presented by Rosie Lugosi ‘The Vampire Queen’. Topping the bill is Amsterdam’s aerial specialist Natsumi Scarlett, a circus trained performer and ballerina synonymous with fast-paced highly theatrical routines. Exclusively for ‘Delicious’ she will premiere a stunning new routine culminating in a breathtaking aerial display on silk ribbons. Other highlights include Ministry of Burlesque founder Kittie Klaw, a unique and sought after specialist of 'British Burlesque’; London’s Roxy Velvet, perched high above the stage in an 11ft birdcage with pyrotechnics and New Zealand songbird Lili La Scala withburlesque performances featuring live operatic vocals.

In addition to an array of international stars, ‘Delicious’ has been scouring theUK for the best up-and-coming talent, and presents the ‘Delicious’ Newcomers Competition. This features eight fantastic performers, handpicked from a series of regional auditions, who will battle it out to win some amazing prizes and a slot in the main show! The final takes place on the main stage at 7pm, hosted by cabaret legend Desmond O’Connor.

To complete the bill there is a full programme of supporting features enabling guests to spend a whole day immersed in glamour and beauty. Why not ‘shop till you drop’ in the UK’s biggest ever burlesque and vintage market? Launch your own burlesque career with expert tuition from the Ministry of
Burlesque’s Academy, or maybe just spend a few hours relaxing with friends being entertained by some great live bands and DJs throughout.

The Derby LIVE Assembly Rooms is one of the Midlands’ premier concert and entertainment venues regularly hosting symphony orchestras, international ballet, opera, rock and pop concerts, music festivals and corporate events.

There is something for everyone at ‘Delicious’, whether you’re an
experienced performer, a lifelong fan, or just plain curious, so prepare yourself for a roller-coaster ride through the rich tapestry of performance art that is Burlesque..... ‘Delicious’ just doesn't begin to describe what’s in store!

Hope to see you all there!
Charlotte x

www.drsketchy.com
www.drsketchynottingham.co.uk

Thursday, April 22, 2010

A shout out to our Sketchy regulars

Last Saturday was our 5th Dr Sketchy Nottingham show and thanks to our amazing audience, fantastic performers and faithful helpers was another huge success!

I wanted to give a shout out to two of our regular Sketchy monkeys. They've been with us from the start and both blog about their art. Here are a couple of snippets (Sketchy related of course) from Aidan and Jake, two very talented chaps who are definitely worth keeping an eye on. Thanks for the support guys! :)

http://pixelherding.blogspot.com/2010/04/world-domination-part-1.html


http://jakegumbleton.blogspot.com/2010/02/dr-sketchy-quickies.html

Scarlett x

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Introducing Dr Sketchy Liverpool!!




We were over the moon at Nottingham Sketchy HQ when we heard that our very good friend and coincidentally one of our very first models, Diva Hollywood, had been given the OK to set up a Dr Sketchy branch in her home town of Liverpool with partner Steve Angstrom.



To show our support we're telling anyone who'll listen why their Dr Sketchy is a must for all aspiring art monkeys, and if you still need a little convincing here's Diva and Steve to tell you more...



Why did you and Steve decide to set up a branch of Dr Sketchy's in Liverpool?


Diva - Well we have really enjoyed the ones we have been to and as we both come from an art background we thought it would be fun to bring one to Liverpool. There is a great art scene in Liverpool (with the Biennial and lots of other events) but it's quite separate from the burlesque scene. So we thought this would be a great way of bringing these two scenes together. It's been years since I have been to an art class so this way I get to start a fun event and brush up on my own drawing skills too.


Steve - Visiting other Sketchy's made me break out my pencils for the first time in ages, and it was really refreshing. It's a great way of appreciating the artists too, like John Ruskin said "there's no better way to appreciate a semi naked lovely than to trace her with your pencil." OK perhaps I made that up. I think the main reason is that Sketchy combines a lot of things I love: creativity, meeting people and sauciness!



How do you think you will add to the UK Sketchy family?


Diva - Our backgrounds mean we bring some unusual talents to the event that make it something a little bit different. For instance, I did a lot of digital art and interactive performance before I became a burlesquer and Steve has a pretty varied background too.


Steve - Yeah that background has influenced a lot of our ideas for these events. Hoepfully we get to do some of the wackier ideas! But even on a simple level I think that being part of some very different scenes makes us interested in bringing lots of different sorts of people together.


Diva - An event like Sketchy in Liverpool is a great place for people to meet up, and create a lot of new artist collaborations.


Steve - Yes but it's not just the artists, I think it's tough for people in general to express themselves to others, and make bonds or meet up on common ground. So I'm interested in that, providing a way for people to link up socially and chat as well as express themselves.


Diva - We also feel very strongly about having an event and a space that is disabled friendly so we can have the whole range of artists take part. I think the more diverse the audience the better the event.



Tell us about your own artistic backgrounds


Diva - I am a pure geek. I have a post grad in electronic imaging. Until I got sick (with M.S) you would always see me in front of a computer creating something. I especially loved video, animation and digital collage; a lot of my work looked like pre-Raphaelite painting, but was actually created using a computer.


Steve - I left art school a month before the end of my course, to join a band. Being in a band is a whole other kind of art education; working with lights and making videos, creating installations, that sort of thing. During that time I used to go and use the facilities in the Liverpool University art department, all the video camers and animation equipment, even though I was never a student there! I think I helped provoke their much more stringent security policies. Erm, is that an artistic background, or a criminal background?



Who inspires you and why?


Diva - I have such a varied mix of inspirations. I love the power, colours and stories of the old master painters. I try to bring something of that emotion to all the art work I make. My inspirations come from a very wide perspective, Anthony Gormley, Pierre & Giles, Harold Lloyd and Lily St Cyr to name but a few.


Steve - My inspirational figures are anyone who is striking out for something different; all those absurdists, situationists, outsiders, moral transgressors, weirdos and individuals. It's so easy for any of us to get stuck in a rut, so I think the world needs the people who are willing to take a chance and just strike out for something new and fun. Horray for them!



What other exciting things does 2010 have in store for you?


Diva - We have started a production company with lots of plans for 2010, small films, photography and plenty of other stuff like that.


Steve - Yes, we've started with a comic book, which is a sort of modern day Tijuana Bible, full of strange kinky illustrated stories, and that's still in production. Beyond that we have some photos and films ideas lined up, which all blend the burlesque style with something more weird.


Diva - I am learning the bull whip and it's an amazing thing. I love the sound of it when you get the "crack" to work. I have a great act idea using the whip and hopefully it will be finished for later this year. We plan to head off to New York and LA for some adventures, but I can't tell you any more about that just yet. Then in November I will be curating part of the Dada festival and Dr Sketchy will be a part of that, all very exciting! I am loving this year so far and can't wait to see how all these projects pan out and getting people involved in the films and artwork.


Steve - Yep, we are always on the look out for people to get involved with those projects so if anyone wants to be part of a kinky photo/video art thang they can let us know via our website http://www.kinkydarling.com/



Well there you go! Dr Sketchy Liverpool's first show is on Sunday 25th April at the Kazimier, Wolstenholme Square from 3pm until 7pm. With performances and modelling by Bella Besame, Ditzy Diamond and Nottingham Sketchy's own Scarlett Daggers. Tickets are only £6 and are available to buy online through the website, you'll find info on the line up, future events, the venue and sponsors too so click and see!



Links





Dr Sketchy Liverpool on Facebook

Monday, March 15, 2010

Delicious Burlesque Auditions

Much fun was had this Saturday at the Delicious Burlesque newcomers auditions by myself and my events partner in crime Scarlett Daggers.

I was kindly asked by Jules of Heresy n Heelz to take part in selecting the final 8 performers who will compete at the final Delicious event in July. My co- judge was the lovely Kittie Klaw of the Ministry of Burlesque. It was a very hard job judging as all the performers were very strong, after much debate and lots of sweets and cream eggs we decided on 8 ladies who we felt performed burlesque in its truest sense and who entertained us the most!

A big thankyou to everyone who took part, I was thoroughly entertained all afternoon and I hope I'll see all of you on lots of event line ups to come!

To the 8 that made it through I can't wait to see you again at the big event!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Birmingham

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Charlotte Thomson Artwork now showing at Cuadros Gallery Nottingham




I am thrilled to announce that my artwork can now be seen at Cuadros gallery in Hockley (Nottingham). Cuadros is a brand new gallery displaying gorgeous and unusual artwork from local and international talents. You can see my work alongside Jon Burgerman, Banksy, work from top tattoo artists and my current favourite discovery Tim Lee, a macabre genius!

Cuadros will be exhibiting pieces from my Masquerade collection – Including “Masque Moon”, Masque Rouge and Masque Diva, plus my newest pieces “Grande Grotesque”, “Let them have Cake and Eat it” and “Glamourous Grotesque”, previously only seen at Danse Macabre exhibition.

For all of you who greatly miss craftsmanship and practical artistic skill in contemporary artwork, this gallery is sure to make you feel a whole lot better. Traditional media and techniques abound but with a truly modern and refreshing style and outlook. Much of the artwork has an illustrative feel with all of the artists on show a master of their chosen media – whether that be spray paint, acrylics, mosaic tiles or ink.

A mini exhibition of Tim Lees work will be on show in the gallery this month so join us for the private view (my work will be on display too) on March 25th – 5pm – 8pm. RSVP to george@cuadros.co.uk. Good company and incredible artwork guaranteed!


1A Heathcoat Street (opposite Ice Nine)
Hockley
Nottingham
NG1 3AF

www.cuadros.co.uk

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Anna Fur Laxis at Dr Sketchy Nottingham

As a little treat before our Bettie Page tribute show on Saturday we thought we’d take a closer look at one of our performers.

The intro on her website says it all. “Praised for her creativity, humour and originality, Anna’s unique take on traditional burlesque performance has gained a truly international reputation, with shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, Milan, Paris and Tokyo.”

Described by New York burlesque legend Dirty Martini as having "the absolute best take on the current Bettie Page mania. In a time where every rock-a-billy chick is sporting the Bettie pinup look, Anna takes it to a new level with a witty twist and a totally charming and accomplished stage persona.” Who else could we possibly be talking about, but the breathtaking, pulse-raising, and occasionally fatal, Anna Fur Laxis.

We feel very lucky indeed to have tempted Anna to our stage and can't wait to see the audience reaction to her "Viva Bettie" act, where she brings the 50's pin up icon to life through "woman's eternal dilemma: Should she try and be good? Or is it more fun to be bad!?!" It's definitely one of our favourites!

In true praise of Anna’s talents one of Bettie Page’s friends, Joan Branden, contacted her last year with this lovely personal message...
"Dear Anna,
I worked with Betty Page in the early 1950's whilst I lived in New York and before I was married. I loved working with her and she was very professional, a sweet girl. I was thrilled to hear that you are performing a Stage act about Bettie Page and I know she would have been delighted that you are doing it, it makes me so very proud that people still remember those days of Irving Klaw and us girls.
Joan Branden."

Anna's response was understandable. It's not every day you are contacted by the old friend of one of your heros! "Bettie Page died while I was working on my tribute act to her, so I felt it was very important that I do her memory the best justice I possibly could. I am so proud to be able to follow in the footsteps of Bettie and Joan and so many incredible women over the years, and it was a true honour to receive this message."

To see Anna, as well as Fanny Divine and Betty Jane, performing and modelling in our Bettie Page show come to Escucha on Fletcher Gate in Nottingham on Saturday 20th February at 12:30pm. Tickets are on sale through the website http://www.drsketchynottingham.co.uk/ or on the door (first come first served). We truly can't wait for this one and hope to see you there!

For more info on Anna and her upcoming shows click the link below!



Scarlett and Charlotte x

Monday, February 15, 2010

Mini Dr Sketchy Pit of Curiosities Special

Much fun was had on saturday at our mini taster event - inspite of lots of tired faces from the night before! The mini event was a follow on from Pit of Curiosities, a big event held on Friday night by Danse Macabre. Scarlett and I were both heavily involved with Scarlett performing as a robot all night in a costume we made together.

Our models on saturday were -
Emma Neale
(aka Miss Rain Photographym, who stepped in last minute as Barbarella!)
Mat Douglas who posed as both a maid (Rocky Horror style) and an Alien Autopsy (his costume from Pit of Curiosities) and
Hannah Morgan who posed as a steampunk babe in Eternal Spirits corsetry and some pretty cool goggles!

We were a little short staffed but with a lot of comraderie and hard work and a very understanding audience we pulled it off and had a great turn out! We had to fetch more chairs and squeezed everyone into the upstairs room at the Central. There were lots of new faces which is always fantastic!

Massive thanks to Natalie J Watts who took over as photographer when Emma stepped up as a model and provided all the music when we reallised we had none due to my laptop meltdown two weeks ago!! Everyone took on several jobs to help out, doubling up as DJs, doorstaff and sales clerks! What a bunch of troopers, THANK YOU!

We can't wait til this Saturday (20th) event now, it's the BIG one, the real McCoy and we have a fantastic line up for you! Grab your tickets in advance from the website or pay on the door, Doors open 12:30 at Escucha!

x Charlotte

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Well it's happening tomorrow whether we like it or not! Pit of Curiosities 2 at the Pit and Pendulum kicks off at 8pm ! Finishing touches


are being made to costumes, there's no gong back now! Look forward to seeing you all there!

Ps. Don't forget to join us on saturday from 1.30 at the Central for Dr Sketchy mini event with models from tomorrows Pit if Curiosities event!!

Www.drsketchynottingham.co.ukfor details

Www.dansemacabre-art.co.uk/pitofcuriosities2.html

X Charlotte x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Bettie Page Special - Saturday 20th February

Well it's not long now until the first Dr Sketchy Nottingham show of 2010!

We're kicking off with a corker of a show, a tribute to the fabulous Bettie Page. Taking to the stage this time around we have two of the UK's top burlesque performers Anna Fur Laxis and Fanny Divine and an extra treat with Nottingham's very own Betty Jane modelling for us too. They will be providing us with the very best of good and bad Bettie poses to get your pencils smoking!

We have more fantastic prizes, thanks to our ever growing list of wonderful sponsers (there may even be another Robin Hood scribbling book in there if you're lucky) and more cupcakes than you can possibly stuff your faces with, courtesy of Dotty's Cafe on Mansfield Road.

Tickets are as usual on sale through the website and will be available to buy at the mini event we are running at the Central on Saturday 13th February as part of Nottingham's Light Night celebrations.

We'll hopefully see you there!

Scarlett x

What is Dr Sketchy?

Dr Sketchy's Anti Art School. Where Cabaret meets Life Drawing! With over 100 branches worldwide this is the blog for the Nottingham UK branch.