Mo'niques opens

FOR the chap who likes a flash of flesh and a whirling tassle without any of the tussle, there was only one place to be last weekend.

Mo'nique's declared itself well and truly open – a burlesque bar and Liverpool's first training academy in the science.

The Temple Court venue nearly didn't get its licence. Why? The council apparently thought that ladies taking their clothes off was the same thing as strippers.

No, no, no no, no.

“The fundamental difference between your burlesque artiste and your stripper is that the ladies are not made to feel woozy and uncomfortable by contact with the former,” a big burly painter and decorator who had just finished varnishing the bar told Liverpool Confidential.

Hmm. As he was clutching a five litre tin of Nitromors, we suspect he, like the licensing people, had grabbed hold of the wrong end of the stick. This was quickly confirmed. As the stage lit up and the scantily clad girls wiggled into view, his eyes, on the end of stalks, were well and truly a-boggle.

Mo'nique's is Liverpool’s only dedicated burlesque, cabaret and vaudeville venue, presenting entertainment seven nights a week.

It is the new home to The Canary Cage, moving from Baby Blue, which will be the first stage, literally, on which budding performers can step to hone their skills and acquire stage experience alongside established acts.

Among many things, M’onique’s plans to offer make-up and hair sessions; where a girl (or boy) can be transformed into the vintage vamp, or Hollywood goddess of their choice, and then be professionally photographed in costume.

Indeed, anything goes. Or as one lady, showing off her perfectly coiffed and back-combed hair was heard to mutter: “It's the first time I've had it up in 35 years.”

What a glamorous time!