There is much variation in the quality of Burlesque shows, but often like most performing arts shows the quality is reflected in the price of the admission. So if you fancy treating yourself to a night out Burlesque-style, but still want to get good value for your money, take a look at our list of the most exceptionally expensive Burlesque shows the world has to offer.
10. Hubba Hubba Review, San Francisco/Oakland, $10
The Hubba Review hosts one night a month in San Francisco, and smaller weekly Cabaret events at it's premises in Oakland. The shows start from a very reasonibly priced $10 dollars and it makes our list on value for money alone. It has won many awards including best Cabaret act, best Burlesque show, and best Cabaret show. The scantily clad show girls are dressed head to foot in sparkles, from their shoes to their tiaras, and there is even something for the ladies with sexily-dessed male dancers. A night at the Hubba Hubba Revue promises a great time for all without breaking the bank.
9. Le Scandal, New York, $22
Le Scandal is one of New York's longest running cabaret shows, and in a city that never sleeps and demands new and exciting acts, this is a feat in itself. Not only does it offer a plathora of riské and entertaining acts, but it boasts a night of live music from their Le Scandal orchestra. From a sexy sword swallowing belly dancer, to a striptease trapeze artist, Le Scandal promises a night of scandalous fun that will leave you awed and shocked in equal measure.
8. Doc Wasabassco, New York/Nashville/Washington D.C, $22
On the West Coast of the U.S.A you will find the Doc Wasabassco Burlesque. The shows, mostly within the tri-state area of Manhattan and Washinton D.C, boast of being couple-friendly and risk free. Their acts are both male and female, with a strong emphasis on fun and laughter. At the moment they are even touring in Nashville, and all the events are ticket only so be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment. The Doc Wasabassco Burlesque also claims to be the greatest Burlesque in new York, so between that and Le Scandal, you'll have your nights out in New York covered as you work out which one you think is this city's best.
7. Bar Jeder Bernuft, Berlin, $30+
For something a little bit diferent now we head over to Berlin, Germany. If you've never sat under a multi-mirrored circus-style tent while watching a musical comedy act spoken in harsh-sounding German, then you haven't really lived. The ceiling is adorned with 1000 mirrors which leaves you with the sense that you are inside the show, immersed in the glitz, glamour and hilarity of this nearly 100 year old entertainment venue. One thing Germany does well is drag queens, and Bar Jeder Vernuft is no exception. There is a perfromance nearly every night of the week and be sure to check out one of the many shows in English.
6. X Burlesque, Las Vegas, $50
We can't talk about Burlesque shows without looking at what Vegas has to offer to the mix. X Burlesque is all about the art of seduction. The women are beautiful and are highly-trained dancers, and there is as much wow factor as you can expect from the infamous city of sin. The costumes are small and sexy, and leave little to the imagination. The tickets started from around $50 dollars online which is a good price for a show in Vegas and definitely worth an evening away from the slot machines.
5. Wam Bam Club, London, $50
The Wam Bam Club in the heart of trendy Soho in London is a Burlesque show with a twist, the difference being it's a club as well as a show. The dress code asks for your 'glamorous best' and some people go all out, dressing up in costumes as bedazzling as the performer's. This adds a next level of fun and inclusivity, and you really feel like you are part of this big crazy sexy performance. Some of the best parties of the year in London are to be had here including Christmas, Halloween and New Years but tickets sell out fast so get yours quick.
4.Le Cirque Rouge Cabaret and Burlesque, Minneapolis, $30-$100
Le Cirque Rouge Cabaret and Burlesque boasts the finest artists, dancers and Cabaret acts that Minneapolis has to offer. They have put them altogether to create a show that's more reticent of a time gone by, and has an old-world feel to it reminding you of a time when things were a bit more classy. That doesn't mean that it isn't still a modern and exciting evening: they describe their band as 'kick-ass' and claim to have some of the funniest acts for miles.
3. Bustout Burlesque, New Orleans, $50 -$100
In a city famous for the birth of Jazz, and with a world-renowned music venue off every corner, where can you go to try something new and exciting? Well you can't, and Bustout Burlesque isn't even trying. They knew that the best times have past, and do their best to take you back to that era that time, but not Burlesque, forgot. Bustout Burlesque is one of the more authentic shows you can see, with a 1950s-style, recreating the glamorous nightclub entertainment found on Bourbon Street decades ago. The 'Bad Girls of Burlesque' show sells out well in advance so be sure to plan your trip here to avoid missing out.
2. The Moulin Rouge, Paris, $80+
Thanks to the popularity of the 2001 Baz Lurman movie of the same name, the Moulin Rouge is one of the best known Cabaret acts in the world. Due to this tickets sell out fast and each show is guaranteed to be packed with Parisians and tourists alike. The Moulin Rouge keeps it's secrets close to it's heart and requires it's clienst to keep the show a secret in order for the next patrons to be as shocked and awed as they were. We don't want to ruin the surprise either, but we can tell you that there will be sequin dresses galore, a lot of nipple tassles, and exotic dancers in headdresses that will leave you speechless. The show is extremely well done and not only are the dancers and acts some of the best in the world, but you can really see the high quality of the costumes and stage effects.
1. Le Crazy Horse, Paris, $100+
Last but by no means least we reach our most expensive and arguably one of the most well known Cabaret shows in the world. Tickets for The (Le) Crazy Horse Cabaret start at $100 dollars but you are still getting a lot of Burlesque for your buck. The show is full to the brim of sexy scanitly clad dancers who are as exotic as they are flexible. From saucy Samba to sultry showgirl and everything inbetween this show will make your eyes pop and your toes tap.