Sapphira’s Burlesque or Bust Valentine’s

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Last Show: Sunday 16 th February 2020

The Pheasantry (Chelsea)

Enjoy Valentine’s day with a difference! Burlesque songstress Sapphira and her dancers Sapphira’s Showgirls comprised of Sugar Kane and ZoeKee plus the playful stage kitty Mademoizelle Cerise whirl up a storm with balloons, feather fans and tassels in a loved themed soiree. Celebrating the showtunes of yesterday along with some original compositions, Sapphira puts a comical twist on fun jazz standards accompanied by Italian maestro, pianist Emilio Merone and her dazzling husband, Tonestepa on bass guitar. Cupid will be sure to strike! Relish Sapphira’s poetry reading House of Macmillan and a book signing of her memoir Burlesque or Bust including antics to reach a certain Sir Richard Branson.

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"Highly finished… Velvety and opulent…"

Beat Magazine

Burlesque or Bust is a show of coming full circle for Australian burlesque author, entrepreneur, singer/songwriter, Sapphira. The 2013 tour of the same name was launched on Valentine’s Day in Melbourne and dedicated to Sir Richard Branson in a bid to secure flights for the dance group’s UK tour. 

Now having completed this original tour and reached the business magnate in person, Sapphira has published her memoir. Burlesque or Bust details the highs and lows of pursuing a life in showbusiness and celebrating full mental health recovery after a breakdown.

Enjoy entertainment and live music from some of the world's most talented burlesque dancers and musicians.

Sapphira tributes her inspiration to Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical Gypsy. She was aptly cast as the singing stripper Electra in a NOVA Music Theatre production. This show will be the chance to hear a cabaret adaption of the Burlesque or Bust book with passages and songs bringing the story to life.

Supported by Crystal Parade and Lucie's Pasties enjoy Sapphira’s final reveal. Never-before-seen on stage witness custom heart pasties designed for the show to symbolise self-love, the most important love to celebrate on Valentine's Day.

Sapphira is the founder of the Ibiza Burlesque Festival and has performed worldwide including opening for Dimtri from Paris and performing on Australia’s Got Talent.

Emilio Merone is a celebrated music producer and pianist who has taught in Rome and London’s best conservatoriums as well as toured extensively with his group MAD Trio and has movie soundtrack credits with Wildnerness and The Lift and counts Jaguar, Land Rover and Barclays Bank among his corporate clientele. 

Tonestepa has rubbed shoulders with Smith and Mighty, Kosheen, Portishead and personally produced the likes of Daniel Bedingfield, Natasha Bedingfield, Sapphira plus singer/songwriters and bands across all genres, Tonestepa has a long legacy spanning 30 years in the music industry. A DJ/Session Musician and multi-instrumentalist he has performed professionally for many years as an internationally touring bassist, guitarist, pianist and drummer.

Sugar Kane is the Finnish Burlesque Sensation with nearly two decades of exper-tease under her garter belt. Her classic burlesque acts with beautiful costumes have entertained the audiences around the world. Some of the acknowledged achievements include winning the Tournament of Tease in 2006 and being the first Finnish burlesque artiste to represent Finland in the world-famous Burlesque Hall of Fame competition in Las Vegas in 2009. 

ZoeKee is a versatile performer from New Zealand. With her Bachelor of Applied Arts, Zoe has been travelling the world dancing for luxurious resorts landing long-term contracts with the best dance agencies which speaks of her high dance skill and talent. From cheerleading at Indian Premier League matches to appearing on Bollywood films and she is making her mark in London including teaching at Pineapple Dance Studios.

Band Lineup

Sapphira

Emilio Merone

Tonestepa

Sugar Kane

ZoeKee