Only the team behind Malta’s sell-out Burlesque shows, presented by the Dazzle Troupe, can transform one of the most terrible periods of human history into an evening of rollicking fun and that’s exactly what they’ll be doing this month with Burlesque Blitz.

Against the appropriately colonial backdrop of The British Legion Bar in Melita Street, Valletta, the Troupe will be presenting a show for battle-weary (not to mention horny) soldiers, pulling out their customary smattering of bawdy music, eccentric comedy sketches and dance to ensure that they keep their rowdy crowd happy with a show that’s by turns raunchy... and raunchier.

In 2008 Dazzle Troupe, under the organisation of Creative Island, formed in Malta and has performed regular vintage style-Burlesque shows at different locations around the island.  The shows consist of musical and theatrical parody and the initiative strives to create a tangible platform for various artists to present their work and the show is as varied as it is original.

At the beginning stages of each show, each artist is given a slot of 10 minutes where they have to follow a specific theme and use their creativity to produce their own mini performance. The work is then fused together to create a whole show.

The aim of the shows is to encourage talented local individuals to stretch their imagination and give an opportunity for artists to produce their own mini show, without it being too demanding for them.

The show brings together all different types of talent like music and song writing, comedy, opera, dancing, acting and poetry. There has been exceptional feedback from audiences who roar with laughter throughout every show. The shows are generally sold out within a few days of launching the event, with people from all walks of life attending and enjoying a good night out.

Vaudeville and Burlesque flourished in Europe and the United States in the early 1880s as a type of variety entertainment involving separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill. Most people believe "burlesque" to mean female strippers bumping and grinding in go-go bars. But that only fits the form in its declining years. At its best, burlesque was a rich source of music and comedy that kept the world laughing throughout a very difficult era in history.

Types of acts included musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians, female and male impersonators, circus tricks, illustrated songs, one act plays, even short films. Vaudeville and Burlesque developed from many sources, including the concert saloon, minstrelsy, freak shows and dime museums.  Called ‘the heart of American show business’, Vaudeville was one of the most popular types of entertainment for several decades, and eventually died out in the early 1930s with the growing popularity of the moving picture.

Though inspired by traditional Vaudeville, these shows are not simply re-enactment to stifle the cries of nostalgia. The Dazzle Troupe have tried to follow the basic formula of this genre, by seeking to get Maltese artists out and produce their own creations, and more importantly collaborate with other artists to create something new and original.

The aim of this project is to provide an on-going support for emerging artists to produce their own original work and also to equip the artists with the necessary skills and experience to be able to hold their own events to present their work. Despite previous shows coming to life with a meagre budget, the talent of the artists has always shone through, receiving an exciting and inspiring response from other aspiring artists wishing to take part.

During the past six years, the troupe has performed eight shows with on-going success, with their first show held at Chiaroscuro in Strait Street, five years ago ‘The Audition’, which consisted of eight performers. With every show the number of participants escalated and the last show involved twenty-one performers, with increasing interest from artists aspiring to take part and with cast taking on challenging roles like gender impersonation, stand up, mime and magic.

The theme of the ninth show to World War II and only this show can transform one of the most terrible periods of human history into an evening of rollicking fun! Against the appropriately colonial backdrop of The British Legion Bar in Melita Street, Valletta, the Troupe will be presenting a show for battle-weary (not to mention horny) soldiers, pulling out their customary smattering of bawdy music, eccentric comedy sketches and dance to ensure that they keep their rowdy crowd happy with a show that’s by turns raunchy... and raunchier.

Performers and writers include: Alex Vella Gregory, Alex Spiteri Gingell, Joseph Zammit, Marilu Vella, Vee Stivala, Teodor Reljic, Pete Farrugia, Marie Claire Pellegrini, Katherine Brown, Joe Depasquale, Whats their names theatre, Karly Cole, Matt Bonanno, David Chircop, Miriam Calleja, Tigerbilly Vella, Leona Gold and the amazing Brigit Gauci Borda Dancers

Shows will be performed on 26, 27 and 28 April and doors open at any time, with food and drink served.  The shows commence at 9pm sharp and run until 10.30pm.  Tickets are at €12.  Seats are limited so book early to avoid disappointment! Bookings can be made by logging on to: www.creativeisland.com.mt.  This show is supported by the Malta Arts Fund