Welsh burlesque legend bares all in autobiographical musical

The fascinating true story of a young ballet dancer who ran away with the circus and became a Welsh burlesque legend is coming to stages across Wales.

‘Showgirls & Sharks’ is a 90 minute musical play that tells the story of Stephanie Gawne, also known as ‘FooFoo Labelle’. Having run Cardiff Cabaret Club for more than 18 years, teaching classes and producing hundreds of sold-out burlesque shows in the capital, very few people know her colourful life story.

The ‘mother of Welsh Burlesque’ has joined forces with multi-talented maestro Jenna Dyckhoff and is baring all in a funny and frank autobiographical musical that navigates womanhood, aging and survival in the entertainment industry.

Through song and dance, audiences will learn about Stephanie’s time as glamorous assistant, joining a circus where the girls swam with sharks and performing as a showgirl all over the world – all before she became a mother and found a home and career in Wales.

Whilst Stephanie’s life is an extraordinary one, the show contains struggles with self-image, ambition and misogyny that many audiences will be familiar with. These potentially-heavy themes are juxtaposed with hilarious musical hits and glamorous costume changes making the show a fascinating and relatable romp.

The two-person show is a multi-talented neurodivergent production that centres underrepresented voices with humour and honesty.

“As you’ll hear I’ve spent years building different skills in performing and it’s amazing to be able to put them together in one show, especially one that is so personal,” said Stephanie. “I think that people will connect with my journey because whether we’re swimming with sharks, or sitting at a desk – everyone has a story to tell.”

Dyckhoff and Gawne have been working together for three years, and are excited to be teaming up with Welsh theatre Director Nerida Bradley to tour Showgirls & Sharks to venues across Wales this summer.

“It’s been brilliant to work with Jenna on this show – they’re an amazing collaborator and bring such an array of musical talent to the show. Having Nerida on board means we’re confident that audiences will have a really good night out,” added Stephanie. “It’s special to us to be touring this show across Wales, as it reflects our journey, and our home.”

Jenna Dyckhoff explains how the pair met.

“Steph and I met working on a show together a few years ago and got on like a house on fire,” she said. “We’re both neurodiverse and very ambitious and even though there’s a 30 year age gap, we’re still very similar! Our skills blend perfectly together, I’m in charge of music, she’s in charge of dancing and we never stop laughing. Hopefully the audience can share that laughter with us when they watch the show! Steph is such a powerhouse and working with her on this show is just lush.”

As part of the touring production Showgirls and Sharks will be getting communities involved by offering pre-show workshops that will focus on confidence building, movement and storytelling, using the playful language of cabaret. In Blackwood where the show will premiere, there is an extended series of workshops that incorporates local voices and stories into the show.

“I’ve spent over 20 years teaching and building communities in Cardiff through confidence-building dance, and it’s important to me that I get to share some of that knowledge as well as share stories and experiences with people across Wales as part of this tour,” continued Stephanie. “Working with amazing director Nerida Bradley means we can craft unique workshops that we hope will resonate with our audience.”

Director Nerida Bradley added: “I’m so excited to be working on Showgirls & Sharks, showcasing a really vital story about gender, aging, the arts industry and finding your place. What makes this show so special is its high octane silliness and the amazing rapport between Stephanie and Jenna as performers.”

Showgirls & Sharks opens at Blackwood Miners Institute on May 22 before touring to 11 other venues across Wales.

For more information or to book visit https://dyckhoffandgawne.com/