Burlesque Undressed

Immodesty Blaize (nee Kelly Fletcher) is the British leading light of the new ­burlesque movement – upmarket striptease for Mamma Mia! audiences. She is the producer-star of this Immodesty-Blaize-o-centric documentary on the subject, and her American rival Dita Von Teese doesn't get much of a mention. Modelling herself on ­Hollywood greats like Gina Lollobrigida and Ava Gardner, Ms Blaize strives to put the glamour, theatricality and humour back into disrobing in public, with classy showgirl costumes, big-band sounds, sparkly stage-sets and prop routines – an alternative to the nasty world of pole-­dancing and table-dancing with seedy men proffering £20 notes. This film pointedly shows all the women in the audience enjoying an outrageously ­empowering night out. It's a bit of a promo-showreel for IB's live show, but cheerfully entertaining nonetheless. I longed, however, for some Ali G-ish interviewer to ask the crucially tactless question: "Do you think this could ever be enjoyed by straight men?"