The Empire Strips Back
Burlesque may be a far cry from Boba Fett but Russall S. Beattie’s Star Wars burlesque parody, The Empire Strips Back, has returned due to popular demand – only this time with a bigger and better production.
Since the show initially opened back in 2011, the sci-fi fantasy has skyrocketed with sexy stormtroopers and sell-out shows. However, what was once designed for a smaller, more intimate stage, has now developed into a grand burlesque show. It is now filling up larger venues like the Enmore Theatre.
Beattie, who therapeutically destroyed all the props and costumes from the show’s last season, is starting afresh, and assures that there was no holding back when it came to recreating the props and costumes.
“This time round we’ve spent extra time and money on making it at least the same quality as the movies,” Beattie says.
From veterans to virgins, and everyone in between, Beattie promises that the show caters for diverse tastes.
“It is two hours of pure adult enjoyment and fun,” he explains. “ It’s all satirical but some acts are sexy, others are beautiful – it’s not exploitative or gratuitous.” (EC)
May 9 & 10, Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown, $59, enmoretheatre.com.au
BY ELISE CULLEN
