Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham – 14th March 2026
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Making its debut at the Old Joint Stock Theatre, House of Allure Speakeasy offers an exciting evening (or afternoon) of cabaret, drag, and burlesque. The show captures the spirit of vintage nightlife while celebrating the bold creativity of Birmingham’s alternative performance scene. With glamour, humour, and striking stagecraft, it transports the audience into a world of playful excess and theatrical mischief.
Led by “The Queen of Birmingham Burlesque” Dominus von Vexo, the show brings together a diverse lineup of performers. Joining the stage are Tristan Treble, Enrico Touché, Sofeya, Mimi Mariama, and Amarise, each contributing their own unique performance style that keeps the evening varied and entertaining. Every performer brings their own creative flair to the stage. Hosting the evening is Locques La Roux, whose confident stage presence and sharp comedic timing guide the audience smoothly through the performance. Locques maintains the swift pace of the show with ease and playfully handles any heckles thrown his way. Meanwhile, stage manager Vinca De Fleur keeps the audience entertained during transitions. Rather than allowing scene changes to slow the momentum, her appearances amuse the audience while the stage is reset for the next act.
The performances highlight the rich range of styles within cabaret and burlesque. Elegant striptease routines sit alongside stylised dance, glamorous showgirl numbers and moments of theatrical comedy. Sofeya’s hypnotic belly dancing provided calmer moments to the show’s otherwise hectic energy, while the showgirl-inspired routines add a touch of classic charm. Comedic performances inject playful absurdity that keeps the audience consistently entertained. Tristan Treble’s ‘The Paint Stripper’ act with multiple layers of boiler suits being removed, and Dominus Von Vexo’s hilarious dance and lip-sync to Special from Avenue Q (made even funnier by a dental mouth guard) were both highlights of the show for me.
Audience interaction also plays a memorable role in the evening. During one of Enrico Touché’s comic routines, I was unexpectedly invited to assist with what appeared to be a wardrobe emergency, tasked with pulling a loose thread from his flapper dress. What began as a simple attempt to tidy the costume quickly escalated into comic chaos as the thread continued to unravel, prompting mock outrage as he theatrically branded me a “bad lady.” Meanwhile, my guest was drawn into the action multiple times during the evening, first to join Enrico for an impromptu dance, and later to provide rhythmic accompaniment by squeezing a plastic pig in time like a comic heartbeat. These moments of playful audience participation really bring a sense of spontaneity and shared enjoyment that lies at the heart of cabaret performance. A key strength of House of Allure Speakeasy is the ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The venue’s intimate setting allows audiences to feel closely connected to the performers. The Old Joint Stock is the perfect venue for this kind of show.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the production also reflects the collaborative spirit of Birmingham’s cabaret and drag communities. That spirit will continue later this year as the team behind the show host and produce Birmingham’s first drag and burlesque festival, taking place from 6–8 November across several city venues including the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Old Rep Theatre and Eden Bar.
Ultimately, House of Allure Speakeasy proves to be a bold, stylish and inventive showcase of Birmingham’s thriving cabaret scene. With its mix of striking performances from a talented ensemble and spontaneous audience interaction, the show is a lively reminder of the enduring power of live cabaret to surprise, delight and captivate audiences.