This month we chat to Cherry Shakewell, Brighton’s burlesque icon, about turning 21 and her fabulous Fringe shows.
How did you get into Burlesque? I finished university in the early 2000s and quickly realised I didn’t really want to pursue graphic design. I took temping work in London and became increasingly bored of propping up bars in nightclubs and pubs, so started going to more cabaret events and theatre shows again. I stumbled across a full-day burlesque workshop, put on by the incredible art group The Whoopie Club, whch ran high-end incredible immersive events and parties.
It was at the beautiful underground Art Deco Atlantic Bar just off Piccadilly Circus (now Brasserie Zedel). After attending, I began modelling for a corset and lingerie shop, She Said Boutique in Brighton, and began to put together my debut act for fun. I didn’t decide to pursue becoming a full-time performer, it just organically evolved that way and I eventually took a brave leap and became self-employed.
Cherry Shakewell turned 21 this year—what advice would you give to your younger performer self? To have written it all down as it was happening. Too much to remember and a lot of champagne along the way to fuzz the glorious memories!
What do you love the most about your job? The way it’s always different for every show, and meeting all the people and seeing different places.
Tell us about your forthcoming Fringe shows? I have quite a few things happening in May at the WundaBarn venue, ‘SHOW OFF!’ A variety show, two burlesque workshops taught by me, two cabaret life-drawing classes. You can also catch me wandering about as Princess Peachy and perched on a giant clamshell as Goldie Prawn, “The Sussex Siren” mermaid doing children’s storytime. I’ll also be gogo dancing at Positive Deviants’ excellent night of live music and DJs put on by my fella.
Tell us three things you love about Brighton? The fact you can enjoy bustling city life and be in nature and space within minutes. The beautiful bonkers creative human minds you can meet here. That I was born here.
