Burlesque act Scarlett’s flaming ambition

VIVACIOUS local burlesque act Scarlett Flame has said shed like to set pulses racing at Stirling Castle one day.

And while she freely admits that ambition may be something of a pipe dream for now, the apparent rising popularity of her craft may well mean that the skys the limit.

Stirling resident Scarlett explained to the Observer earlier this week shes been actively performing for about five years, since being encouraged to take part in an artistic body-painting competition by a friend.

She said: Burlesque is something Ive always wanted to do its the mystery of it, the glamour and the enjoyment I get from it that appeals to me. It also gives you the chance to bring something to people that they wouldnt ordinarily get to see.

Curious locals will be given the chance to watch city centre resident Scarlett and a host of other artists in action when Flaming Tease returns to the Castle Rock pub, formerly Whistlebinkies, on August 11.

The quarterly showcase sees several girls take to the stage as part of a cabaret-style night, with the emphasis on fun, escapism and audience participation. The evenings also have fringe benefits as a portion of the proceeds are donated to a designated charity with the Dogs Trust next in line to benefit, following hot on the heels of cancer charity CLIC Sergeant netting cash from a previous performance.

Routines are all choreographed on an individual basis, with inspiration often drawn from a wide variety of sources.

Scarlett continued: The reactions been very positive. Most people seem willing to give it a chance, which is great. We actually find that the older generation tends to be less prudish than some of the younger audience members.

Burlesque has such a long history in the UK, so I think people of a certain era are pleased to see it making a bit of a comeback. Were definitely the only show in Stirling at the moment, but there is a thriving scene in Scotland especially in places like Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Scotland is renowned for being innovative when it comes to burlesque, particularly when it comes to incorporating elements of comedy.

Whistlebinkies is a wonderfully intimate venue. People often wonder how its possible to stage a show like ours there, but it can be done.

Id love to do a show at Stirling Castle one day but its how you go about actually doing it. There are a lot of things that would have to be sorted out.

When asked to explain how she came about deciding on her moniker, the fire-eater and life model, originally from the Nottingham area, elaborated: Its a long, long process of deduction for some people. Its taken very seriously and no two artists ever have the same name.

I suppose its kind of like a trademark in a way; but I would say its more than that though as its such a personal thing.

Mine was relatively simple but it took me a while. I eventually chose Scarlett because my hairs always some shade of red, and Im a fire-eater.

The one-time University of Stirling student concluded by stressing the importance of people witnessing burlesque for themselves before forming a concrete opinion.

Citing the 2010 Steven Antin film Burlesque which starred chart-toppers Cher and Christina Aguilera as an example, Scarlett said: Films are great for raising awareness, but some people feel that [the film] Burlesque gives people the wrong impression, then when people come along they can be a bit surprised were not all Christina Aguilera!