Smitten by the art of burlesque
THE intriguing Candy-land show became the talk of Stamford after its first showing two months ago.
The brainchild of talented director Lucy Slessor, Candyland is a sexy, naughty and fun show, which was a sell-out when it was shown at the town's arts centre.
The gothic fairytale was performed as an atmospheric burlesque, and plans are already in motion for a repeat performance next year.
The performance of Candyland was Lucy Slessor's deep desire to re-introduce the art of tease – lost, she says, in today's bump and grind society of instant gratification.
Lucy, who lives in Stamford, was always interested in writing and performing, and sat down earlier this year and penned a burlesque, gothic show.
And so, Candyland was born.
Lucy said: "Traditional burlesque was often performed on an ironic level; it wasn't about striptease. It was based on satirical sketches, often poking fun at political ideals, or the hierarchy.
"I am very interested in human nature and was, in fact, studying pyschology at the Open University.
"The gothic era intrigued me – we have all these doctrines of behaviour, surpressing the darker side of the mind because we think that makes us 'good'.
"Gothic architecture and art – think of Frankenstein – can be inspirational and beautiful."
Candyland's first showing was a sell-out; indeed, 20 extra seats were brought in to cope with the numbers. The performance also raised money for charity. Lucy's daughter was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, and Lucy decided the show could help raise money for charity the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, which has helped her so much.
She said: "The charity has given me support from the day my daughter was born, and I have always wanted to give something back.
"I thought the best way would be to use my talents, and this is how Candyland was born."
The profits were shared, with 500 going to the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and 200 to the Sue Ryder charity.
The play includes aspects of the traditional fight between good and bad, and dark and light, including the re-telling of the Greek myth of Pandora's Box, the story of Adam and Eve and the examination of behaviour in modern society in a performance-driven display of sexy dancing and tease.
Lucy has devoted all her spare time – and money – to the Candyland venture and is working day and night with co-producers and fellow Stamfordians, Charlie Lawrie and Amy Crisp.
The next performance will be at the Corn Exchange Theatre, on Thursday, August 26, but the whole Candyland project is about so much more.
Lucy has ambitions plans to take the play to a national level and beyond, and the Candyland team is also appearing at other events. The team recently put on a show at a halloween event in Boston.
Lucy's project is now in need of sponsors to fund the growth of Candyland.
She said: "We've got a great team of talented and committed people, and I hope to keep the momentum going. Burlesque is a great tradition and I plan to keep it alive."
Anyone who can offer sponsorship, or who wants to know more about Candyland, can call her on 07913 471294, or email candylandpr@googlemail.com.
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Weather for Stamford
Saturday 26 May 2012
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