Rock on and rock out _{by Madelaine Empson}

Over 12 years and 67 shows, Caburlesque has been dazzling Wellington audiences with its signature blend of burlesque and variety cabaret. Local, national, and international performers have strutted their stuff across any and every artform, from pole to drag, comedy to belly dance and back again. Themes have included Taylor Swift and zoo animals, lovable nerds and aquatic adventures, to name but a few. When it comes to music, rock has played its part and shredded its riff through the extensive back catalogue.

“We at Caburlesque love a good rock show, and having covered glam, hair, and straight rock, now it’s time to take it to the next level”, producer Adrienne Lindsay says.

On Saturday the 5^th of April at The Fringe Bar, hits from the greatest Women of Rock (Adrienne’s faves are Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Debbie Harry, and Janis Joplin) will be brought to the fore by stellar performers like Midnight Mistress, Maree Prebensen, Roxylicious, and Pandora Cherie [pictured], with Sadie von Scrumptious in the MC seat.

This will be Pandora’s sixth Caburlesque, and to say she’s excited by the theme would be an understatement.

“I love rock music; it’s my favourite music to perform to and to have it just be the Women of Rock makes it all the better. I love that we get to highlight these amazing artists by doing what we love.”

The multi-skilled dancer, who melts and melds fire and acrobatics with sensual burlesque, says Caburlesque “is always changing and challenging you to come up with something new and interesting”. Her act this edition, which is all “about embracing who you are unashamedly, regardless of what box people try to put you in”, will be no exception. “It’s okay to be a freak”, she reminds us.

“Come join us, it’s fun over here.”

"Women of rock have so much to offer”, Adrienne concludes. “And here at Caburlesque, we love having the opportunity to rock out to it.”