A brand new venue awaits the audience who, as a special treat, will be amongst the first people to see a show in the recently renovated Epstein Theatre, which doesn’t officially open until later this year.

Hosted by the one and only Fred Bear, a cherub who could so easily be mistaken for cupid, and featuring a cocktail of saucy and seductive performances from burlesque favourites Mysti Vine, Dinah Might, Tricity Vogue and Liverpool’s own Millie Dollar, The Martini Lounge Valentines Special is a show guaranteed to get those in attendance in the mood for love.

Dinah Might, whose celebrity fans include Queen’s Roger Taylor and Ben Elton, makes her Martini Lounge debut especially for Valentine’s Day. With a cheeky twinkle in her eye Dinah will lure the audience into her steamy theatrical fantasy world as her unique show concepts throw many unexpected and titillating surprises at them. Her repertoire of acts which uses elements of comedy, drama, storytelling and classic burlesque always tantalises audiences.

The evening will also include charming offbeat musical cabaret from a vintage songstress Tricity Vogue whose repertoire of surprising tunes and a colourful history of romantic misadventure needs to be seen to be believed. Tricity took up the ukulele in 2007 and hasn’t looked back since. Dubbed ‘ukulele doyenne’ by Time Out London, she has performed for Ravi Shankar, Hollywood director Joe Wright and Anoushka Shankar, who she taught to play the kazoo. She’s also the first person ever to play ukulele on Ronnie Scott’s stage.

Comic burlesque diva Mysti Vine makes a welcome return to the Martini Lounge with her hilarious yet titillating routines. With over 15 years of entertaining tucked firmly into her bra-strap, Mysti is an accomplished stand-up comedienne, compére, variety, burlesque, cabaret and striptease artist. The self proclaimed ‘Comic Goddess,’ Mysti has worked onstage with Dita Von Teese and Immodesty Blaize and has also produced & performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, most recently hosting the infamous Bongo Club Cabaret the festival’s longest running Cabaret/Variety show.

A firm favourite of the Martini Lounge, the one and only Fred Bear will keep these Valentines vixens in check in his role as compére, whilst entertaining the audience with his witty banter and hysterical brand of humour. Fred will also take to the stage to perform, promising a routine which is sure to both arouse and delight the audience.

And finally, at the (love) heart of it all, the fabulous Millie Dollar, founder of The Martini Lounge and local Burlesque beauty will step out to perform one of her renowned routines. Taking her inspirations from Burlesque Queens of the past and present, she can do anything from classic burlesque to the raunchy bump and grind popularized in the 50′s and usually mixing the two, she’s sure to leave the audience all shook up. Performing at such events as Ink n Iron (LA), Summer Jamboree (Italy), Monday Night Tease (LA), The Lady Luck Club (London and Athens), Wam Bam Club, The Garden Party (Croatia) and many many more, she has become a firm staple on the burlesque scene both nationally and internationally!

Millie Dollar, Martini Lounge founder and Producer said:

“I am so excited to be one of the first performers to take to the newly renovated stage at the Epstein Theatre and I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction when they see this beautiful venue. As soon as we saw inside it, we knew that it was a perfect venue in which to hold the Martini Lounge and we just couldn’t wait until the official opening in May to get started, so Dave Pichilingi and his team have kindly let us test the water for them with our Valentines showcase, which, I can promise you is going to be our most amazing and hottest show yet.”

Dave Pichilingi CEO at Liverpool Sound City, who recently began operating the Epstein Theatre said:

“We’re delighted to welcome The Martini Lounge as our first guests at The Epstein as their stylish mix of music, comedy, performance and satire is tailor made for such a setting. And what better date than Valentine’s Day?”

PERFORMANCE DETAILS
The Martini Lounge Valentines Grand Showcase
Epstein Theatre, Hannover Street, Liverpool
Friday 17 February, 8.30pm (Doors 7.30pm)
Tickets: £20

Critical acclaim for the Martini Lounge

“In all this is a fantastic night for everyone – with the ladies, glitter, bears and bubbly, what more could you want from a night at the theatre?” SEEN Magazine

“It’s a superbly glamorous night in pretty glamorous company.” Vicky Anderson – Made Up Liverpool

A little about The Epstein Theatre

The Epstein Theatre, named after The Beatles manager Brian Epstein and formerly known as The Neptune, is a vibrant, iconic space for contemporary music, art, performance and more.

The site on Hanover Street in Liverpool which has a capacity of 385, was bought by the Liverpool Corporation in 1967. The Grade II listed theatre closed in 2005 but has since undergone a £1m refurbishment thanks largely to Liverpool City Council, with the running and programming now safely in the hands of the hugely-influential cutting-edge music festival and convention Liverpool Sound City. 

You can book your event with the Martini Lounge at any time for an upcoming date. We arrange for a special deal according to the number of people attending.

Group booking discounts are available from 10 and more guests. We can arrange for your group of guests to sit together in a dedicated section of the venue.

Hotel and our Show for Two

Get a Large Double Bedroom and two Show Tickets with our Martini Lounge Whole Weekender. Ideal for two people. Get in touch for an offer. Email us at boxoffice@martinilounge.co.uk and we arrange this for you!

More great offers are available on request: Upgrade the room to one of base2stay’s™ spacious Gallery Studios for example or stay in their Secret Garden Suite for up to four people.

You can also book additional nights and single rooms.

View the Rooms

click to zoom images

More about base2stay

The Martini Lounge has been keen to check out the hotel ever since the redevelopment of this fantastic building was revealed. base2stay™ opened in Liverpool in early 2010 with 106 rooms available and a different concept in mind. The hotel has received raving reviews from customers ever since. Being shown around personally by the enthusiastic owner we are proud to be working with such great location and people.

The hotel does not feature a bar or restaurant and encourages guests to prepare their own meals by using the kitchen facilities each room has installed or benefit from offers around the vibrant bar and restaurant culture in Liverpool City. With this concept in mind, the Martini Lounge Dinner Show complements the hotel perfectly, offering a two-course dinner in the historic surrounding of St. Georges Hall with exclusive performances.

base2stay™ Liverpool’s historic building, dating from the 1850s just like St Georges Hall, has been redeveloped, retaining many original heritage features, which have been incorporated into a modern, contemporary design.

All rooms offer spacious bathrooms, mini-kitchens and air-conditioning. A 24/7 Reception and Concierge Service is available to help guests explore all that Liverpool has to offer. Further installed is a HD-TV that accesses free Wi-Fi, music and games. 30 minutes of free local and national phone calls are also included.

www.base2stayliverpool.com

Food and drinks are being served throughout the show with a special menu put together to suit the occasion. The restaurant area, where the show takes place and which includes a dedicated bar, can host 200 people with great views from each seat onto the stage, which we purposely install in the midst of the tables.

The bar area, located between the entrance and the elevated restaurant, hosts our afterparty, ideal to mingle with the performers and enjoy another drink!

Seating plan: Comfortable seats, spacious legroom and great views from every seat!

Our most valuable give-away is the ticket draw between all mailing list subscribers. In order to increase the chances, we are now giving away two pairs of tickets worth £40 each for every Martini Lounge Show!*

Once you have signed up, you will be automatically entered into the draw for all shows whilst you have subscribed.

What to do?

Simply enter your details into the Mailing List form to the right on this page. We will not give out your details to anyone – ever – and aim to keep our newsletters of interest and within a healthy frequency.

What’s more is that mailing list subscribers are able to book tickets first for each event we put on sale. We send out an exclusive newsletter including secret booking links. This way our loyal fans can book the best seats in the house.

*subject to seat availability

Zeligs, 8 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool ONE, L1 8LW. Find a map below.

Black Cab and Taxi

Apart from picking up one of the many Black Cabs, you can preorder a cab to conveniently pick you up in time to the show and also pick you up after the show.

We recommend preordering a taxi in the afternoon to arrive at the venue for 8pm and be picked up from the venue anytime from 11.30pm.

• Delta – 0151 922 73723
• Excel – 0151 728 8888
• South Liverpool Taxis – 0151 486 7777

Local public transport

James Street, Central and Moorfields are the closest Merseyrail train stations. Check the Liverpool train timetables at Merseyrail’s Website.

Paradise Street is the largest bus station within 1min walking distance. Check the Liverpool bus routes and timetables at Arriva’s Website.

Train

With the venue being located within easy walking distance from Lime Street Station, the train is possibly the most convenient way to travel for those from further away. Check on the last train home by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk for detailed train times and connections. The show finishes by around 11.00pm.

Alternatively the Martini Lounge offers great hotel packages:

Check out the hotel offer

Car

The closest carparks

• Q Park runs several multistory carparks, one of which has its entrance on Strand Street, Liverpool L1 8LT‎ – 0151 232 2150‎
• Car parks on Seel Street offer cheaper rates and may be free after 6pm and are still close
• NCP runs carparks on The Stand just next to L1

Coach

Within walking distance to the venue is Norton Street Coach Station.

Visit www.nationalexpress.com

Fly

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a destination from many cities across Europe by the airlines Easyjet, Ryan Air and others.

Visit www.easyjet.com
Visit www.ryanair.com

The Martini Lounge offers great hotel packages for those interested in a luscious Liverpool weekend.

Map & Directions

View The Martini Lounge in a larger map

With her enchanting smile, feline grace, marshmallow skin and retro-vamp style, performers rarely get more intriguing than Leyla Rose. A champion gymnast and dancer in her childhood, Leyla gathered a lifetime of performance experience in a variety of fields, including nine years as a sought after bellydancer, before evolving into a wickedly voluptuous and charismatic burlesque artist.
With an onstage presence that is commanding, striking and red hot, Leyla is a remarkably versatile performer. She can evoke the classic elegance of a Golden Age Hollywood movie star performing sultry stripteases, but is equally at home as a bumping, grinding, tassel twirling rock ‘ n’ roll showstopper, with a taste for the macabre and a knock out shimmy shake that is second to none.

You and your afternoon tea?

“Blessed tea…my one true addiction. Morning, afternoon or evening. I love the traditional kind with the white linen, cake stand and silver cutlery in a beautiful restaurant or hotel. Hats, gloves and gossip. Or a giant mug of tea with a Tayto crisp sandwich after a night’s drinking with friends. Tea is the elixir of the gods. Just don’t give me Tetley. “

The art of the striptease?

“Some are more ‘artistic’ than others but either way, entertainment is the key. I have trouble calling myself an artist. But I guess I am one. “

Strawberries or Lemons? Pink or Red?

“Strawberries over lemons but choosing between pink or red is like Sophie’s Choice.”

Musicals or Film Noir?

“I’d prefer a bad Film Noir to a bad Musical, but when Musicals get it right they are heavenly.”

Inspiration?

“Freedom and friendship and the amazing women who have done this burlesque thing before us”

What are you best known for?

“My voluptuousness. It can overshadow my other qualities and I never set out to be anyone’s poster child. Nonetheless I love variety in shapes of bodies and believe people should be kinder to themselves. If I help someone else feel that, it can only be good.”

Lauries’ Q & A

You and your afternoon tea?

“I’m more of a Sunday roast girl together with my North London cabaret gang.”

The art of the striptease?

“To titillate and amuse, whilst being skilfully spontaneous and strive for the element of surprise… Or more to the point: to entertain, we’re not saving lives here!”

Strawberries or Lemons? Pink or Red?

“Lemons are more versatile especially accompanying booze…”

Musicals or Film Noir?

“I grew up watching Hollywood musicals and appeared as a plate, no less, in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in London’s West End. My all time favourite musical however is Shockheaded Peter. I adore howling with laughter whilst feeling slightly guilty.”

Inspiration?

“As a performer in the cabaret burlesque circuit you’re constantly catching other people do their thing. I get to hang out with my idols: Fancy Chance, Kitty Bang Bang, Dusty Limits, Polly Rae, Frisky & Mannish and the list goes on and on.”

What are you best known for?

“For being a silly Belgian and rather embracing it.”

Many thanks to both!

Download as Wallpaper!

We offer you a glamourous way to change your personal desktop or phone for a while to a glamorous burlesque theme. To download right click on the image that best fits your screensize and select “Save as…” or “Set as desktop background…” from the menu.

Widescreen (1280px by 800px)

Standard 4:3 screen (1024px by 768px)

iPhone (320px by 480px)

Image by Lorenzo Paxia

An already established actress and model she also commands an impressive list of skills and talents, ranging from traditional fan dance to striptease, and is trained in both static trapeze and stilt walking. With her stunning trademark look and jaw dropping routines it is but a matter of time before this Femme Fatal makes a lasting impression on the world stage

Missy has shared the bill with some of burlesque’s top names including Kitten De Ville, Dirty Martini, Kitten on the Keys, Mimi Le Meaux and Immodesty Blaize.Missy appears regularly in a variety of extravaganzas including The Candy Box in Birmingham, Torture Garden Events in London and in festivals such as the “Summer Jamboree” Italy and clubs in Milan, Stockholm, Amsterdam Rome, Helsinki, Jersey Barcelona and Paris.

Missy toured extensively with “The Damned” as part of their “Twisted Cabaret” tour 2007 and is a regular on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Circuit every year. Missy also danced in a Bollywood feature film, which was filmed in Mumbai, India in Oct 2008.

Missy also co-produces the “Missy Malone and Friends Burlesque Revue” which has seen sell out shows at all the dates so far! The show has appeared at The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham (Feb/Oct 2010) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Aug 2010)

www.missymalone.co.uk