The Blog

Nothing a photographer loves more than a mini break with extra photo opportunities, so I was very excited for my trip down to wonderful Brighton. I had arranged to meet up with a fellow photographer (didn't sadly happen in the end) I also wanted to capture Brighton by day and night too. The fantastic new 'Brighton Wheel' has yet to be official opened (only finished 2 weeks ago), it looked great by the beach, the gulls getting a free ride in the thermals caught my eye, not something you'd see on the more familiar London Eye. Like most cities Brighton transforms at night, with the new wheel adding an extra dimension to the existing famously photographed illuminated pier. I chose a slightly longer exposure to capture the movement of the sea. More night-life and I was in for a treat as I headed one of the towns quirkiest and iconic venues - the Brighton Ballroom. I was able to get a much needed helping of club and Burlesque. The Venue in Kemp Town was previously known as the Hanbury Ballroom and has been at the heart of Brighton history for 200-years, transforming from a mausoleum, boxing club, high-class gentleman’s club and even an air-raid shelter in WW2. After a £300k renovation, these days the Proud Group continue the venue’s legacy as a popular music venue and luxury supper club. There were many of the audience dressed up in 20's outfits and the club had a real friendly vibe to it.  The amazing Paul Roberts, who sang with The Stranglers, performed and posed happily for me backstage! Next on stage was the beautiful Coco Deville in her amazing feathers and much glitter. Chi Chi Revolver, was most impressive, spinning hoops whilst removing clothing has to be admired. I had a great chat with them all in the dressing room and took some more photos. It was also Zombie weekend and there were plenty on the beach, i caught one on a bike. Best Zombie transport by far. Brighton - I'm coming back soon!

Comedian Paul B Edwards organised another fabulous night of Burlesque and comedy held at The Barn, The Victoria.  It was also the celebration of the lovely Felix's Fortieth Birthday, so The Barn was packed to the gills on a very hot October evening.  We had a right treat of a line up, two gorgeous Burlesque performers, Honey Schnaps and Miss Dolly Rose and Wayne the Weird and Jahnavi Goldstein. Id photographed both the Burlesque performers before and was looking forward to it immensely. The dance routines and comedy were fab. I really enjoyed Wayne the Weird, a mix of humour and magic. Totally didnt see his final joke/trick ending coming and didnt have my camera positioned to catch it, so you will have to see him yourself to find out that! Everyone had a great night and I was happy to take some shots up in the quiet and cool of the girls dressing room during the much needed breaks. Dolly has a real 50's look, especially tonight, and the photos definitely echo the beauty of the alluring and iconic Marilyn Munroe.

Hidden away in a cavernous, maze of tunnels beneath London’s Waterloo Station, The Boom Boom Club immediately has an atmosphere that’s grimy, illicit and decadent. As you enter the tunnels, the cold brickwork and low lighting add to the feeling of the unknown. Off to one side, behind a curtained doorway was a collection of fortune-telling booths.Mr Mutuiri's 'Voodoo Shack' examined your hand and selected coloured powdered pigments, mixed with water and made a secret mark on your hand. It felt powerful and dangerous. Doamna Afina 'awoke' when her button was pressed and dealt 3 piles of cards, whilst staring at you in a blank questionly way. A card seemed almost 'auto selected' then passed to you with a poignant authentic sounding message, then her head dropped til the next customer. Around the tunnels were a variety of performers, Vicky Butterfly swinging on a mirror tiled moon, a rope climber and more. One room was hosted by cabaret stalwart Des O’Connor, in full priestly garb, welcoming sinners to display their full wicked behaviour before seeking his divine forgiveness. He squeezed in a couple of songs – or ‘hymns’ as he called them and played with his ukulele. A brilliant varied selction of acts introduced by him, included Leilani, the great contortionist who did an exorcism piece. The lovely Polly Rae. A crystal ball, seemingly had a mind of its own, but was expertly controlled by Matt Hennem and the fabulous 'Up and Over it' River dancing with their hands! I particularly warmed to Piff The Magic Dragon who provided typically deadpan banter to accompany his adept illusions, subverting the showmanship you might expect from a man dressed as a mythical lizard, playing bagpipes with a sleepy Chihuahua also dressed as a dragon.

Models are Sophia St Villier and Loula Cherry.

Big thanks to Nigel Johnson who expertly assited with the lighting and to Red Spot studios for being so marvellous.

I adore watching and photographing Burlesque, and last night I got chance to again photograph one of my favourite performers, Lena Mae. In one of her two excellent routines she transformed from a tadpole into a frog and if anyone described that to me, I wouldn't be able to imagine how brilliant and enticing it truly was. It was a fabulous line up of performers, as we were treated to two routines from the gorgeous Polly Goes Boom too.  A really great evening, with stand up comedy too and hosted by Paul B Edwards.

At Bush Hall, London, a fabulous selection of newcomers gave an amazing performance.  This is a FANTASTIC sweet kitty/catnip routine, by Tabitha Taboo