Imagine if the Star Wars universe wasn’t the PG-13 landscape it was painted to be as we take a look at a more raunchy version of this classic tale with The Empire Strips Back now showing in London.
A unique blend of seduction and sci-fi this show is the perfect crossover of tasteful choreography, amazing costumes, catchy chart numbers and some amazing audience interaction.
Whilst each individual performance is being prepared behind the curtain we have our very own Lando who takes to the front of the stage to interact with the audience and he was was so good that I was equally looking forward to him taking centre stage as I was the lovely ladies performing behind it, yes, he was THAT good!
Interacting with the crowd wonderfully the whole room came together in laughter and celebration at this tongue-in-cheek performance.
It’s hard to explain The Empire Strips Back without ruining it too much but you’re going to see a wonderful array of costumes on display and the ingenuity of the performances and the props used are brilliant.
One minute you’re watching Chewy and Han Solo have a dance off, the next you’re seeing Princess Leia straddling a giant Jabba the Hutt that had me absolutely howling with laughter at just how impressive it was and how interactive it is.
Watch R2-D2 make it rain as the girls put on a tasteful sexy show, it was at no point smutty nor did it ever cross a line it was burlesque done wonderfully with a Star Wars edgy twist.
The audience was a mix of families and couples and that was also great to see and also proves my point that it’s not too extreme at any given point.
Utilising props on stage in such a manner meant that there was no need for big fancy sets or backdrops, the lighting was incredible and the performances captivated your attention (in more ways than one).
If I had any criticism of the show I’d say that a couple of the acts were rather similar with the show starting out with two back to back single performers and whilst they were individually wonderful I thought just a little bit of variety with those first two acts would have allowed the show to flow better.
Before I go, I have to revert back to Lando here in this review, whoever that guy is he needs a raise! The crowd interaction was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, he was remembering multiple names in the crowd, engaging with them, making jokes with them and others in the room chipped in and his stand-up and comebacks were spot-on and his final act was certainly a testament to how he endeared the audience as everyone was up on their feet engaging in the last performance of the night.
The Empire Strips Back is the sexiest show in the galaxy, from lovely ladies to strapping young men (yes there’s even male burlesque in this too which is also done tastefully) this is one London show that is not to be missed.
No Jedi mind tricks to be played here, simply get out there, get some tickets and have a wonderful evening, a good laugh and a great cast putting on one hell of a show!
Our Rating
Summary
A riot from start to finish! Funny, tasteful with great costumes and performances, The Empire Strips Back takes you to a galaxy far far away where you’ll have a sexy good time!
