The UK burlesque scene is full of passion, talent, and artistry—but let’s be honest, it’s also full of tough choices. Performers want to work, to be seen, and to build a career, but at what cost? The reality is that some are willing to ignore red flags, shady producers, and exploitative venues just to get a spot on stage. Is it ego? Desperation? Or just the harsh truth that money talks? Let’s break it down.
The Ego Factor: The Desperation to Be Seen Let’s not pretend that some performers aren’t driven by the need to be admired. Burlesque thrives on spectacle, and for many, the allure of being in the spotlight overrides everything else. When ego takes over, standards slip. Suddenly, a dodgy venue doesn’t seem so bad if it means getting Instagram-worthy stage shots. Problematic producers are overlooked because, well, ‘It’s just one gig, right?’ But in chasing every opportunity, are we sacrificing our own integrity? Especially when we supposed ‘run’ the scene…
The Harsh Reality: We All Have Bills to Pay It’s easy to preach about morals when you have financial stability. For many performers, burlesque isn’t just a hobby—it’s a job. And when rent is due, and gigs are scarce, it’s tempting to take whatever is available, even if it means working with producers known for underpaying, unsafe venues, or toxic environments. The industry needs to recognise this struggle. Calling out bad practices is important, but so is addressing the financial instability that leads performers to make these tough choices. Yes I am looking at those gigs charging £15 a ticket but offering £30 a slot. Nah. We need better rates and openness about it. If people keep accepting £30 headline slots (yes I saw this myself) the rates will never be better.
The Power of Saying No The biggest shift will only happen when performers collectively raise their standards. If no one agrees to work with exploitative producers, they lose power. If no one performs in unsafe venues, they are forced to improve. It’s not easy, but long-term change only comes when the scene refuses to accept less than what it deserves. Holding ourselves and each other accountable isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about building a scene where professionalism and respect are the norm.
If a producer wont pay you, see it as an insult. You are worth nothing to them. You are worth something. They just know you will perform because you ‘need’ to perform. You dont but are chasing that dopamine hit it gives you. Unpaid work is wasted money. You spent money buying your costume, rehearsing and getting there. Why end up owing yourself???
Finding the Balance
- Know Your Worth: Exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If a gig feels exploitative, it probably is.
- Do Your Research: Ask other performers about a producer or venue before accepting a gig.
- Support Each Other: If someone calls out a bad practice, listen. Don’t brush it off.
- Consider the Bigger Picture: One bad gig might not seem like a big deal, but normalising bad industry standards is.
Burlesque isn’t just about the art—it’s also about the industry behind it. We all have to make choices, and sometimes, those choices mean compromising our morals to survive. But if we keep doing it, nothing changes. UK burlesque performers deserve better, but that change starts with us. So, what will you choose?
