I am under strict instructions from a fierce Imperial Officer (last night’s host Pete Anderson) not to give too much of the show away here, so I’ll keep this simple. The Empire Strips Back is an absolute joy to watch, and whether you’re a huge Star Wars fan or you just enjoy a comically risqué night out, I highly recommend you go and see it.
As the title would suggest, The Empire Strips Back pays tribute to the beloved worlds and characters of Star Wars by reimagining them through a burlesque lens. The results are simultaneously hilarious, seductive and at times jaw-droppingly impressive. Creator Russall S Beattie, producer David J Foster and London director Bec have crafted an intricate production that allows the performers to form a relationship with the audience, flirting and teasing them one moment, and making them roar with laughter the next. A special mention must go to choreographers James Barry and Lisa Toyer. Again, I won’t give anything away, but many of the dances were just phenomenally choreographed, blending multiple styles across various songs and all the while eliciting a visceral reaction from the audience (usually cheers, whooping and laughter, but there were some truly powerful moments too).
Between each performance, our host Pete would come and chat to us some more. He did a wonderful job, creating a relaxed and playful atmosphere but nonetheless managing to establish the ground rules for the night. As he made clear, a burlesque show is not a strip club, so things like throwing money or yelling for the performers to take off more clothes were not allowed. When an audience member quite late into the first act yelled for Pete to remove more clothing, he dealt with it with it brilliantly. In fact, some of the highlights of the show came from our conversations with Pete, the best (sorry, I’m giving something away here) being when he asked us to suggest Star Wars ‘safe words’. The results, I’m sure you can imagine, were nothing short of genius.
Of course, I must mention the absolutely stellar cast. Sadly, I cannot name them all here, but every single performer did a fantastic job; bringing the beloved characters to life in a manner that was sultry, passionately playful, and achingly funny. I was blown away by their ability to dance in costumes that I can only assume did not lend themselves to the routines. I mean, I can barely see when wearing a face-covering helmet, let alone jump into the splits. The athleticism was truly remarkable. I did notice a couple of minor mistakes or costume malfunctions here and there, but on an opening night that’s hardly surprising. And the obvious passion of the performers was so infectious it hardly mattered. They looked like they were having a blast, and so the audience did too.
Overall, The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody delivers on everything you want it to. It’s funny, sexy, and it takes you on a wild ride to a galaxy far, far away.
The Empire Strips Back is running at Riverside Studios until the 17th of August. https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/the-empire-strips-back-164216/
Reviewer: Ben Pearson
Reviewed: 3rd of May 2025
North West End UK Rating: