An honest and heartfelt message to burlesque and cabaret's wonderful fans and followers, but especially those who keep meaning to come to a show, but didn’t, or still don't.

We hear it so often:

“Oh, I’d LOVE to come – I’ll catch the show next time!”

“This looks incredible, but I’ll wait until the next one.”

“Keep me posted if you do it again!”

HERE’S THE TRUTH: SOMETIMES, THERE WON’T BE A NEXT TIME.

Not because we don’t want to do it again.

Not because it wasn’t brilliant.

But because enough people didn’t show up to make another show possible.

Across the UK, grassroots, independent, artist-led shows are folding.

Venues are shutting their doors.

Creators are burning out.

Not because they lack talent, but because they’re running on empty while trying to compete with corporate-funded productions that can afford massive ad campaigns and PR teams - big corporate-backed shows that are quick to jump on the burlesque and cabaret bandwagon. While these types of shows might boost genre visibility (which is great!), those productions are backed by huge marketing budgets and trend-driven hype. They’ll simply move on to the next trend once they’ve milked this one dry!

But the soul? The passion? The independent artists who built this scene from scratch?

That lives in independent, grassroots, artist-led shows.

And those are the shows that need you – the loyal, curious, adventurous audience – to show up now more than ever.

Those big, corporate 'cookie-cutter' shows might seem extra-dazzling (mostly only in their advertising, not their actual physical content!), but many of them jumped into burlesque and cabaret simply because it was trendy at the time they were looking for something else to bring the big bucks in! THEY’RE PROFIT-FIRST, PASSION-SECOND, and when the next shiny thing comes along, they’ll move on to that!

We won’t, because we live and breathe this artform!

Independent shows like The Velvet Burlesque aren’t backed by big budgets or corporate sponsors. They are built on creative risk, self-financing, months of unpaid work, and a huuuuuuge leap of faith that enough people will turn up to make it worthwhile.

So, when you say, “I’ll come next time,” what you may not realise is that YOUR TICKET THIS TIME could have been the difference between a show breaking even or taking a loss. Between the lights going up again - or not.

Live, independent shows cannot thrive without real, committed audience support.

Ways you can help:

- Book the ticket.

- Bring a friend.

- Come on your own!

- Tell someone - word of mouth, share social media posts or physical show flyers you see.

Your presence and your support - however you do it - has power, and your choice matters.

- Your physical presence at the event definitely keeps these shows alive.

- Your online presence, sharing posts to spread the word, plus liking and commenting on posts also helps keep these shows alive.

It gives purpose and possibility to the hundreds of hours spent creating what you see on stage.

Every single person who chooses an independent show ticket helps sustain the artists, crew, producers, and venues who pour their hearts and soul into this industry.

 If you love what we do, we need you to show up. That’s the only way we can keep going.

- Every seat filled helps us create more of those unforgettable moments.

- Every ticket bought helps pay performers, tech crew, venue staff.

- Every ticket bought helps keep the lights on and the curtain rising.

This isn’t a plea. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the shows you love only exist if people like you do come. And if you want independent, heartfelt, creative, powerful shows to stay part of the scene - you have to support them now - TODAY, not someday.

So if you've ever said, “That looks amazing, I’ll come next time” - please make the time you choose to be there THIS TIME.

Be part of the magic, not just a spectator from the sidelines.

Don't leave it until it's too late!

Please be a genuine, willing part of keeping the magic alive.

🎭 Want to join us for a spectacular night out? Our latest show and event listings can be found here: SHOWS & EVENTS

With thanks, and deep gratitude - always -

Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

The Velvet Burlesque™

© Lara Gothique - Velvet Burlesque™
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