I've been interviewed by Aislinn Ball, aka Boo Boo Kitty Couture, about my many jobs and projects.
Aislinn is a very talented local vintage seamstress and the sponsor of my show, The Gilded Merkin. I'm very lucky to have her on board and one lucky lady at each show gets a made to measure dress from her!
I recommend checking out the rest of the series of interviews as there are some very talented creative types in there!
http://blog.boobookittycouture.com/2013/01/meet-scarlett-daggers.html
Scarlett x
The ramblings of a fire eating burlesque performer, show producer and all round crafty so and so.
Showing posts with label Nottingham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nottingham. Show all posts
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Sunday, 6 January 2013
2012 - the best bits
Looking back 2012 has been quite a busy year for me! Here's a summary of my highs and lows...
The biggest achievement of the year was definitely getting my own burlesque and cabaret show up and running, The Gilded Merkin! July's debut show, and the second in November, were both massively successful, the venue was packed and the feedback I've had since has been wonderful. I can't wait to see how it grows in 2013! There are big acts coming to Nottingham! :D
Another high light at the top of my list was learning how to eat FIRE! I've been in awe of performers like Missy Macabre and Red Sarah for a long time and when I saw Red Sarah was doing a fire eating workshop in Birmingham I jumped on it! The class size was small so we all had great one to one attention and I left feeling very well equipped to carry on practising my new skills at home (well, in the garden!), it was a lot of fun. Check out The Fire School for workshop details.
In June I drove up to Chester and spent the day with the fabulous Ina Glo Photography. I'd been looking forward to this shoot for a long time and really hope I can make it up there again this year. Here are a few of my fav's from the day...
I was also asked to perform at some great shows for the first time; The Missy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue, doing 3 shows across the UK one of which involved a fun road trip to the depths of Wales with Sherry Trifle and Emerald Ace, Electrotease in Leicester, Dr Sketchy's in Newcastle (taking my Dr Sketchy's appearances in the UK up to 7 branches!) and The Frou Frou Club in Hebden Bridge on New Years Eve.
Then there were the good ol' fav's. I was back again at the wonderful Wet Spot in Leeds, Kinky & Quirky in Devon, this time the Exeter venue, Carnival Divine in Manchester, Dr Sketchy's in Birmingham and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in Lichfield, which after their show in February this year will be on hiatus for a little bit while Sherry Trifle and her hubby Ant go jetting off on adventures in Cambodia! So go along and give them a good send off, it's a great show!
I also *finally* got around to getting my showreel filmed. I chose Junction 15 Productions as I was really pleased with the shots they took in another film project I was involved with in 2011, a music video for the band Lesbian Bed Death. I can't wait to get started on the other secret film plans we have for this year.
And for those of you who are interested, click HERE to watch the music video ;)
I'm lucky in that the only real low I had was being involved in a minor car accident in October which unfortunately wrote off my fab little Yaris :( but the silver lining that was the driver of the van that hit me admitted fault and I was able to buy the car I'd been dreaming of owning for years, a Chrysler PT Cruiser. Hubba Hubba.
Oh and the pup didn't enjoy March much as we had him snipped! Oh the guilt.....
And how could I forget this big event.... I QUIT MY DAY JOB! In November, after seven years of working for the NHS, following an unpleasant event where the management proved how little they care for their employees, I handed in my notice to become a fully self employedlayabout cabaret monkey. So please wish me luck for 2013!
Scarlett
x
The biggest achievement of the year was definitely getting my own burlesque and cabaret show up and running, The Gilded Merkin! July's debut show, and the second in November, were both massively successful, the venue was packed and the feedback I've had since has been wonderful. I can't wait to see how it grows in 2013! There are big acts coming to Nottingham! :D
 |
| Gilded Merkin artwork by Charlotte Thomson-Morley |
Another high light at the top of my list was learning how to eat FIRE! I've been in awe of performers like Missy Macabre and Red Sarah for a long time and when I saw Red Sarah was doing a fire eating workshop in Birmingham I jumped on it! The class size was small so we all had great one to one attention and I left feeling very well equipped to carry on practising my new skills at home (well, in the garden!), it was a lot of fun. Check out The Fire School for workshop details.
 |
| Video still taken from the workshop. Please excuse the dodgy headscarf arrangement, I was trying not to set fire to my fringe! |
In June I drove up to Chester and spent the day with the fabulous Ina Glo Photography. I'd been looking forward to this shoot for a long time and really hope I can make it up there again this year. Here are a few of my fav's from the day...
 |
| Kiss of the Cobra Woman burlesque act |
 |
| The Present burlesque act |
I was also asked to perform at some great shows for the first time; The Missy Malone & Friends Burlesque Revue, doing 3 shows across the UK one of which involved a fun road trip to the depths of Wales with Sherry Trifle and Emerald Ace, Electrotease in Leicester, Dr Sketchy's in Newcastle (taking my Dr Sketchy's appearances in the UK up to 7 branches!) and The Frou Frou Club in Hebden Bridge on New Years Eve.
Then there were the good ol' fav's. I was back again at the wonderful Wet Spot in Leeds, Kinky & Quirky in Devon, this time the Exeter venue, Carnival Divine in Manchester, Dr Sketchy's in Birmingham and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in Lichfield, which after their show in February this year will be on hiatus for a little bit while Sherry Trifle and her hubby Ant go jetting off on adventures in Cambodia! So go along and give them a good send off, it's a great show!
I also *finally* got around to getting my showreel filmed. I chose Junction 15 Productions as I was really pleased with the shots they took in another film project I was involved with in 2011, a music video for the band Lesbian Bed Death. I can't wait to get started on the other secret film plans we have for this year.
And for those of you who are interested, click HERE to watch the music video ;)
I'm lucky in that the only real low I had was being involved in a minor car accident in October which unfortunately wrote off my fab little Yaris :( but the silver lining that was the driver of the van that hit me admitted fault and I was able to buy the car I'd been dreaming of owning for years, a Chrysler PT Cruiser. Hubba Hubba.
 |
| Obviously not my real number plate! haha |
Oh and the pup didn't enjoy March much as we had him snipped! Oh the guilt.....
 |
| Sulking in the cone of doom |
And how could I forget this big event.... I QUIT MY DAY JOB! In November, after seven years of working for the NHS, following an unpleasant event where the management proved how little they care for their employees, I handed in my notice to become a fully self employed
Scarlett
x
Friday, 13 July 2012
ElectroTease and the Gilded Merkin debut!
It's been a few days since these two shows but I've been taking a well earned rest!
Last Friday I took a trip a little way down the M1 to Leicester, to perform at a show called ElectroTease run by Eliza DeLite.
It was lovely to see Eliza, Rose and Constance again and meet the other ladies on the bill.
This was such a fun show and the audience were lovely. I even went out and had a quick dance afterwards (in my balloon pop costume as I had forgotten to take a dress with me!)
Here's one of my favourite shots from the night, taken by Grace Elkin, mid confetti puff!
After the show I dashed to Nottingham to pick up Missy Malone at The Queen of Clubs, a new gay bar that's just opened, where she'd been performing that evening. I'll be there myself next week so it was lovely to meet the guys who run it. There were some very fancy looking drag queens in that place! Then we headed back to mine for puppy cuddles and tea.
The next morning we popped into Hopkinson's before Missy caught her train to London. This was shamefully the first time I'd set foot in there but I'll definitely be going back again! I came away with a set of stem rose glasses, some cute green vintage buttons and this gorgeous red vanity case.
On Sunday, after months of planning and promoting, it was time for the debut Gilded Merkin show!
It's fair to say I was a bit of a nervous wreck before the show started but there was far too much to do for that to get in the way! I will admit to running downstairs at one point, through the huge queue that was forming, to find my mum and get a quick "good luck" hug before we opened the doors!
Everything went so well, far better than I could have hoped for, the venue was absolutely rammed with people and the show ran without a hitch and perfectly to time! It's not surprising really though considering the performers I was working with, all total pro's, and the staff at The Glee Club who were all fantastic!
Here are just a few of the great shots taken by Candee Photography....
I'm still on a high and have been getting wonderful feedback from so many people saying how much fun they had and that they can't wait for the next one which is fantastic to hear!
The next date is Sunday 11th November and stars Missy Malone, Tricity Vogue, Missy Macabre, Sherry Trifle, Carrie-Ann (Dita Von Teese tribute) and The Great Aziz! I'll hopefully see you there!
Scarlett
xx
Last Friday I took a trip a little way down the M1 to Leicester, to perform at a show called ElectroTease run by Eliza DeLite.
It was lovely to see Eliza, Rose and Constance again and meet the other ladies on the bill.
 |
| Eliza, Constance and I backstage in our "dressing cave" |
This was such a fun show and the audience were lovely. I even went out and had a quick dance afterwards (in my balloon pop costume as I had forgotten to take a dress with me!)
Here's one of my favourite shots from the night, taken by Grace Elkin, mid confetti puff!
 |
| Copyright Grace Elkin |
 |
| Rocket the wonder dog |
On Sunday, after months of planning and promoting, it was time for the debut Gilded Merkin show!
 |
| Nottingham Post article Sat 7th July. Photo of me by Ina Glo Photography |
It's fair to say I was a bit of a nervous wreck before the show started but there was far too much to do for that to get in the way! I will admit to running downstairs at one point, through the huge queue that was forming, to find my mum and get a quick "good luck" hug before we opened the doors!
Everything went so well, far better than I could have hoped for, the venue was absolutely rammed with people and the show ran without a hitch and perfectly to time! It's not surprising really though considering the performers I was working with, all total pro's, and the staff at The Glee Club who were all fantastic!
 |
| Backstage with Anna Fur Laxis, Fred Bear, Millie Dollar, Edd Muir, Mysti Vine and stage maid Lea |
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| Me |
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| Velma Von Bon Bon |
 |
| Millie Dollar |
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| Fred Bear |
 |
| Mysti Vine |
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| Edd Muir volunteering Fred to take part in his act |
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| Coco Malone |
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| Anna Fur Laxis |
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| Velma Von Bon Bon and Fandango |
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| Millie Dollar |
 |
| Mysti Vine |
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| Edd Muir |
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| Anna Fur Laxis |
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| Crowd shot featuring Eliza (and Mr) DeLite, Aislinn Ball, Betty D'light and Chaz Royal |
The next date is Sunday 11th November and stars Missy Malone, Tricity Vogue, Missy Macabre, Sherry Trifle, Carrie-Ann (Dita Von Teese tribute) and The Great Aziz! I'll hopefully see you there!
Scarlett
xx
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
The Gilded Merkin: Burlesque & Cabaret comes to Nottingham
Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter will no doubt know about my new show, The Gilded Merkin, which debuts in a little over a week on Sunday 8th July at the Glee Club in Nottingham!
I've been wanting to get my teeth into producing a large scale variety show for quite some time and earlier this year I put my plans into motion!
The line up is amazing, all headliners in their own right, from the international burlesque and cabaret circuit.
We have.....
ANNA FUR LAXIS Axe flinging illusionist burlesquer
MYSTI VINE Queen of Dark-asm
MILLIE DOLLAR Star of the Martini Lounge
COCO MALONE Sultry Jazz/Soul songbird
VELMA VON BON BON Comedic burlesque pocket rocket
FRED BEAR Compere extraordinaire
and
EDD MUIR Acrobat supreme from Frayed Knot Circus
And thanks to the wonderful Charlotte Thomson-Morley for the cheeky artwork!
More great news is that as of today we have our first sponsor, BooBoo Kitty Couture, who will be giving us a made to measure pencil skirt for one lucky winner at the event! So dress to impress ladies as we'll be doing a best dressed competition to decide who gets it. I promise I will think of a suitable prize for the gents in the audience too so no slacking lads!
Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets are selling really well for this 300 seat venue so be quick about it if you want to come! It's only £15 for this huge show. You won't want to miss it!
Buy your tickets HERE!
Scarlett
x
I've been wanting to get my teeth into producing a large scale variety show for quite some time and earlier this year I put my plans into motion!
The line up is amazing, all headliners in their own right, from the international burlesque and cabaret circuit.
We have.....
ANNA FUR LAXIS Axe flinging illusionist burlesquer
MYSTI VINE Queen of Dark-asm
MILLIE DOLLAR Star of the Martini Lounge
COCO MALONE Sultry Jazz/Soul songbird
VELMA VON BON BON Comedic burlesque pocket rocket
FRED BEAR Compere extraordinaire
and
EDD MUIR Acrobat supreme from Frayed Knot Circus
And thanks to the wonderful Charlotte Thomson-Morley for the cheeky artwork!
More great news is that as of today we have our first sponsor, BooBoo Kitty Couture, who will be giving us a made to measure pencil skirt for one lucky winner at the event! So dress to impress ladies as we'll be doing a best dressed competition to decide who gets it. I promise I will think of a suitable prize for the gents in the audience too so no slacking lads!
Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets are selling really well for this 300 seat venue so be quick about it if you want to come! It's only £15 for this huge show. You won't want to miss it!
Buy your tickets HERE!
Scarlett
x
Monday, 18 June 2012
Dr Sketchy's Nottingham - Von Vaudeville
On Saturday I returned to The Glee Club with my partner in crime Charlotte for another Dr Sketchy's show. On the bill this month we had Beatrix Von Bourbon, Velma Von Bon Bon and Emerald Ace. The room was absolutely packed out, with more than 60 people, and I was really pleased to see a lot of new faces amongst our regulars.
For those who have never been to a Dr Sketchy's event and are interested in finding out more here's a link to the main website www.drsketchy.com There are branches all over the world and hopefully one near you!
I was going to get some shots of us together with the performers/models but it totally slipped my mind. I did manage to take a few shots during the show though and here they are, along with some professional shots from our photographer Spike aka Vapour Trail Photography....
First up we started off with some short 5 minute poses from Emerald. I bet her arms ached after this one!
Our first performance of the afternoon was from Velma, with her organ grinder monkey act (one of my favourites), a statement on the daily trudge of the 9 to 5!
Afterwards she held this pose for 15 minutes and picked a couple of artists to win prizes from our sponsors, a hefty stack of comics from Page 45 and a hair scarf from Diablo Jo.
Our second performance was from Beatrix, with the act that got her through the first round of Britain's Got Talent Series 6, "Hey Bellboy", and which left me momentarily tongue tied after she came off stage!
She then held a 15 minute pose in the tiniest set of pasties and thong I think I've ever seen! With more comics, a Rockalily lipstick and Little Miss Delicious hair clip given away to our eager artists.
Another pose from Velma's cheeky monkey
And our final 20 minute group pose
And the winners of the final competition who took home books from Baby Tattoo Books.
Missed this one? Our next event is on Saturday 11th August at The Glee Club!
Scarlett
x
For those who have never been to a Dr Sketchy's event and are interested in finding out more here's a link to the main website www.drsketchy.com There are branches all over the world and hopefully one near you!
I was going to get some shots of us together with the performers/models but it totally slipped my mind. I did manage to take a few shots during the show though and here they are, along with some professional shots from our photographer Spike aka Vapour Trail Photography....
First up we started off with some short 5 minute poses from Emerald. I bet her arms ached after this one!
 |
| Emerald Ace |
 |
| Emerald Ace by Vapour Trail Photography |
Our first performance of the afternoon was from Velma, with her organ grinder monkey act (one of my favourites), a statement on the daily trudge of the 9 to 5!
 |
| Velma Von Bon Bon by Vapour Trail Photography |
 |
| Velma Von Bon Bon |
Our second performance was from Beatrix, with the act that got her through the first round of Britain's Got Talent Series 6, "Hey Bellboy", and which left me momentarily tongue tied after she came off stage!
 |
| Beatrix Von Bourbon by Vapour Trail Photography |
Another pose from Velma's cheeky monkey
And our final 20 minute group pose
 |
| Beatrix, Velma and Emerald by Vapour Trail Photography |
And the winners of the final competition who took home books from Baby Tattoo Books.
 |
| Beatrix, Velma, Emerald and winners by Vapour Trail Photography |
Scarlett
x
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Fun with whips
Today I had the pleasure of hanging out with Diva Hollywood, "the crip with a whip". After a slow start to the morning (I blame the Moscow Mules we drank the night before) we headed to my local antiques centre for a rummage. Unfortunately we didn't find anything that took our fancy, nothing that was within our budget anyway, so we took a drive into Nottingham to enjoy the sunshine.
Our first stop was the Alley Cafe, the best veggie/vegan eatery. I would post pics of our delicious food but it didn't last long enough to take any. What can I say, antiques rummaging is hard work! So here's a photo of the menu cover instead...
But not without wearing the proper protection...
It took a few attempts and lots of intent staring at Diva while she showed me the motions but I managed to get a few good cracks in!
I found the smaller whip much easier to crack but it was also a lot faster and I managed to give myself a good welt on the back of the calf!
Our first stop was the Alley Cafe, the best veggie/vegan eatery. I would post pics of our delicious food but it didn't last long enough to take any. What can I say, antiques rummaging is hard work! So here's a photo of the menu cover instead...
With very full bellies we pottered around a few more shops and then headed back to my sun-trap of a garden to play with these...
But not without wearing the proper protection...
 |
| Indiana Jones eat your heart out! |
It took a few attempts and lots of intent staring at Diva while she showed me the motions but I managed to get a few good cracks in!
 |
| Diva doing her thing |
I found the smaller whip much easier to crack but it was also a lot faster and I managed to give myself a good welt on the back of the calf!
 |
| Battle scars |
I totally failed at trying a more complicated trick and decided to call it quits before I lost an eye. I'll leave whips to the professionals!
Scarlett
x
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Fairs and affairs
Oh dear, I have been neglecting my poor old blog haven't I. Well I promise it isn't because I've been a lazy-bum. So far 2012 is all systems go for Red Anchor. I finally sorted out "the room of doom" aka my sewing room and it's a far more pleasant place to be now, with organised storage and everything! As much as I would love to have real wood and vintage furniture it just wasn't practical in the space I have to work with and Ikea came to my rescue with a massive shelving unit that fits perfectly along one wall to house all my fabric, haberdashery and supplies. I also managed to bag myself a matching computer table/shelving unit combo on ebay for the ridiculous price of £1.04. Win.
I'm REALLY looking forward to these two fairs. I'd heard a lot of good things about Reetsweet and after exchanging emails with the organiser Becki was over the moon to be accepted to take part in both the Sheffield and Leeds fairs coming up in March and April. I will be sewing my little fingers to the bone in preparation! If you're coming along please stop in and say hello :)
If you'd like to see what I've been sewing lately I've listed a few iPhone cases and stocking bags in my Etsy shop. Hopefully I'll get the chance to add more as I'm making stock for the fairs so watch this space!
TTFN x
I had my very first fair last week, organised by The Galleries of Justice in Nottingham and Susi Henson from Eternal Spirits corsetry. It was their 2nd Unique Connections networking event and was raising money for the Help a Nottingham Child charity. On the whole it was a success, I sold enough to cover the stall fee and chatted to a couple of lovely women who'd seen me perform at the Carousel Club in December. In hindsight I don't think it was 100% the right event for me but I'm glad I did it and I learnt a few things to put into practice for my next fairs, which are.....
I'm REALLY looking forward to these two fairs. I'd heard a lot of good things about Reetsweet and after exchanging emails with the organiser Becki was over the moon to be accepted to take part in both the Sheffield and Leeds fairs coming up in March and April. I will be sewing my little fingers to the bone in preparation! If you're coming along please stop in and say hello :)
If you'd like to see what I've been sewing lately I've listed a few iPhone cases and stocking bags in my Etsy shop. Hopefully I'll get the chance to add more as I'm making stock for the fairs so watch this space!
TTFN x
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