Sydney's best burlesque nights

Sometimes downing frothies at a bar or swaying, eyes closed, in front of a DJ booth just doesn't cut it for a night out. Sometimes you want something a little cheekier, a little funnier, or a little more unexpected. This city is popping at its laced-up, corseted seams with parties aiming to put the thrill back in a night out. Here are our tips for a new kind of after hours kick...

34B
You might want to make your first port of call 34B – an oldie but a goodie on the Sydney burlesque scene. The place has been staging edgy shows for five years and never seems short of tantalising ideas. The place has a huge network of performers and DJs continue the party well into the evening with.
Monthly, Q Bar, Darlinghurst

The Ruby Revue
Every month the Ruby Revue delivers a variety show-like line-up to the Arthouse Hotel. They whip cabaret, comedy, vaudeville, music, magic, and striptease into a frenzied show that never fails to entertain.
Second Sunday of the month, Arthouse Hotel, Sydney

Dr Sketchy's
The Arthouse hotel is home to the original Sydney burlesque drawing classes. The evening is like a life-drawing class with a twist – the models are burlesque beauties and the drinks are free flowing.
Fortnightly on Tuesdays, The Arthouse Hotel, Sydney

Figure It In
Well-known Sydney Burlesque identity Sarina Del Fuego hosts her own weekly sketch club at the Art Lounge. A similar set up to Dr Sketchy’s applies and 20s-style dinner party, Parisian Nights, follows the classes.
Every Thursday, The Art Lounge, Darlingurst

Gallery Burlesque
This one is neo burlesque at its best. Classic burlesque acts are interspersed with spoken word, live music and performance art at this fortnightly event. This month Gallery Burlesque teams up with Head On Festival for a photography exhibition alongside their usual shenanigans.
11 & 28 May, Tone, Surry Hills

Crystal Boudoir
GPO’s Crystal Bar is the perfect venue for a burlesque night. The place looks like a glamorous Parisian nightclub complete with low lights, heavy drapes, and gilded mirrors. The raunch factor is turned up higher at this party. A lot of the acts are quite bawdy, and not in a kitsch way.
Every Saturday, GPO Crystal Bar, Sydney.

Black Cherry
Black Cherry is a celebration of all things Rock'n'Roll. On the burlesque front, expect to see the best in trapeze and aerial performance alongside cheeky tease, circus acts and even Boylesque. The music covers everything from the 50s to now, with a focus on rock, punk, garage, rockabilly, hair metal, ska, blues and swing. The next event is Saturday 21st May with aerial and hula-hooping Boylesque sensation Mark Winmill; the saucy Lillian Starr; Melbourne's Samantha Diamond in her farewell performance; and a new novice burlesque knockout competition.
Every two months, The Factory Theatre, Marrickville

Australian Burlesque Festival
If you want to get a taste of all burlesque forms in one place, head to this fest. Leading local and international artists, including Sydneysider and 'queen of burlesque' Imogen Kelly, will be delivering all kinds of glamour and tease.
Fri 27 May, Red Room, 99 on York, Sydney

The Red Rattler
This Marrickville performance space has all manner of naughty and nice performance art and the lads from Boylesque are known to pop up there from time to time.
Check website for upcoming events, The Red Rattler, Marrickville