Burlesque Through The Ages: 200 Years of Tease

Step into a glittering time machine with Burlesque Through The Ages, a celebratory evening curated for anyone who appreciates artful tease, vintage glamour, and cheeky theatricality. This isn’t your average cabaret — it’s a love letter to two centuries of burlesque evolution, from Victorian-era innuendo to modern-day empowerment.

Hosted by the inimitable Mara Maraschino, this early show — perfect for those who like their sparkle with a side of early bedtimes — invites you to sit back, sip your drink, and marvel at the wit and wonder of performers who know how to turn an audience into a chorus of delighted gasps and knowing laughs.

The Raven Hotel’s intimate Cellar space becomes a stage where history meets hijinks. Expect feather fans, sequins that shimmer like liquid starlight, and performances that flirt with the past while firmly rooted in present-day joy. Whether you’re a longtime burlesque devotee or a first-timer curious about what all the fuss is about, this is your invitation to revel in playful elegance.

It’s an evening designed for everyone — queer, straight, curious, and confidently unapologetic — who values expressive art that’s as smart as it is sensual. No need to dress up (though you’re welcome to), and no need to bring a partner (though you’ll probably make friends). Just bring your sense of wonder, and maybe a friend who’ll laugh at your gasps.

Pro tip: The venue is accessed by stairs — plan accordingly. And no refunds, so lock in your spot early.

Presented with flair by alt., a promoter known for championing boundary-pushing, inclusive events that elevate queer voices and creative expression across Melbourne — and now, with this special outing, bringing that energy to Brisbane. This is burlesque as it was meant to be: bold, beautiful, and blissfully unapologetic.

Performers

• Mara Maraschino