Docks Academy’s celebration of modern burlesque returns this June with another edition of Beerlesque.
Beerlesque brings together some of the UK’s most accomplished contemporary burlesque performers for an evening rooted in glamour, craft and unapologetic self-expression. Expect a carefully curated showcase of four headline artists, each delivering their own distinctive style – from classic tease to bold, theatrical spectacle.
With rhinestones, feathers and immaculate costuming, the night honours the heritage of burlesque while presenting it through a fresh, modern lens.
If you’re looking for a Saturday night at Docks Academy that’s a little different – immersive, stylish and confidently entertaining – Beerlesque delivers.
The acts joining us this year are:
KIKI DEVILLE
Australian-born singer Kiki DeVille rose to national attention on The Voice UK in 2014 as part of Team Will.i.am. She has since performed internationally and appeared as a judge on BBC1’s All Together Now alongside Geri Horner and Rob Beckett.
Beyond her music career, Kiki is a passionate Patron of Derian House Children’s Hospice, which supported her family after the loss of her son, Dexter, in 2007. She uses her platform to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions around hospices, and support families facing life-limiting conditions — a cause that remains deeply personal to her.
FREIDA NIPPLES
Inspired by old-school glamour and vintage pin-up, Freida Nipples is known for her high-glamour style, striking silhouettes and confident stage presence.
Since debuting in 2016, she has performed across the UK, Europe and Australia, winning Best Newcomer at Berlin Burlesque Week in 2017. Alongside touring, she produces sell-out cabaret revues in her hometown of York, championing burlesque talent from across the country.
DONNA PODEROSA
Donna Poderosa is a London-based burlesque artist and model of Brazilian and Italian heritage, known for her high-energy style and fearless fusion of burlesque and twerking.
A graduate of Soho Burlesque School and the Black Burlesque School by The Cocoa Butter Club, she reached the grand final of the Cocoa Butter Club Trailblazer competition in 2022. Since then, she has performed regularly across the UK and internationally, including appearances at Cork Burlesque Festival (where she won the Rising Rebel Award 2023), Oslo, Stockholm and Berlin Burlesque Festivals, as well as London Pride, Mighty Hoopla, Wilderness and Boomtown.
AMAZI
Amazà is the Guinness World record-holding hula-hooper! Originating from East London Amazà draws from her experience of the London culture as well as her West African roots to inspire her vibrant costumes and performance style. She is Head of Performance for the Guinness World Record-holding hoop troupe Marawa’s Majorettes and a HoopTone and HoopTricks instructor for PlayTone UK. Amazà holds the record for longest duration spinning 30 hula hoops round the waist.
SCARLETT DAGGERS
This rock’n’roll redhead will get you hot under the collar with her sizzling stage presence and megawatt smile. From a flag-wielding greaser girl to a B movie Cobra Queen and even Robin Hood, Scarlett loves to inject a sense of fun into her femme fatale.
With almost 20 years of experience on the cabaret circuit, Scarlett has performed across the UK and Europe and produces regular shows in Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham, Cardiff and Leeds.