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REVIEW | The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody, Riverside Studios London
- Harry Brogan
- May 5
- 3 min read
AD | Ticket gifted in exchange of an honest review
CW: Strobe lighting effect used and must be 18+ with valid ID
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody finally opens at London’s Riverside Studios after achieving smash-hit status across the globe, starting in Sydney Australia, in 2011, and touring worldwide since then. Produced by David J Foster and Neil Gooding, the show cleverly intertwines the nerdy universe of Star Wars with the sensual world of burlesque in a unique and entertaining manner, featuring more than a dozen hilarious and sexy choreographed numbers.
From iconic characters like Princess Leia to Han Solo (played by David Devyne) and his companion Chewbacca (Dennis Anin-Badu), along with Darth Vader and a group of alluring Stormtroopers (Savane Boisleveau, Oakleigh Briscoe, Samantha Ho, Freja Nicole, Brogan Paris, Jolie Ponchetti, Ema Steindl, and Cass Tattersall), every Star Wars fan is sure to find a beloved character from the original trilogy. The show alternates between purely dance numbers, showcasing impressive acrobatics and strip teases, and comedy-infused performances, enhanced with clever use of lights, props, puppets, and animatronics. The selection of popular songs and humorous remixes that accompany every number will likely have you wanting to sing along. It's hard to resist when the soundtrack features the likes of Spice Girls, Nicki Minaj, Bonnie Tyler, Rihanna and more.
The comedy numbers are the most memorable and are guaranteed to make the audience erupt into infectious laughter, although some dance segments may not deliver as strongly, with sometimes subtle choreography that does not seem to allow the capable dancers to fill the stage with their movements. Nevertheless, all performances are undeniably captivating and sensual, at times intentionally raunchy and over-the-top, particularly when the male characters are on stage.
This show is hosted by Pete Dobbing, though Travis Jay may also be behind the microphone as your host. Dobbing walks on stage right after the first number and welcomes everyone, from hardcore fans to newcomers, and establishes connections with the audience while laying down the ground rules that ensure the show remains enjoyable throughout: shout, clap, but never cross the line with the performers. He underlines how important it is to keep the show positive. As the cast changes into their somewhat screen-accurate costumes, which often quickly transform into raunchy lingerie, Dobbing stands in front of drawn black curtains, skilfully engaging with a lively audience that is eager to participate when asked who can do the best Chewbacca impression or who wants to show off their Star Wars tattoos. Throughout the entertaining two-hour of The Empire Strips Back, Dobbing allows the audience to become the main focus multiple times, enhancing the experience, making for fun memories and creating an even more unique show every night.
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody is a must-see for Star Wars aficionados, complete with references and hilarious scenes featuring iconic characters from humans to monsters, and robots alike. Even those who may have only watched one of the films on television a long, long time ago will find enjoyment in this funny and sexy show, with no prior knowledge necessary to indulge in the experience.
★★★★
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody Plays at Riverside Studios until to Sunday, August 17, 2025!
Book your tickets here!
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