Inside Vancouver

Sword-fighting, burlesque and local celebs in Game of Thrones Live

by Shawn Conner in Entertainment on June 11, 2019

The cast of Game of Thrones Live.

Going through Games of Thrones withdrawal? Disappointed over the last season, but still hankering for some dragon-y Westeros action?

On June 14 and 15, the Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway) brings back Oakland, California’s variety vaudeville troupe Tourettes Without Regrets with a revamped version of its notorious and popular Game of Thrones burlesque. Game of Thrones Live: Fire & Ice, Ice Baby! features dozens of characters played by underground vaudeville and burlesque performers from the award-winning Tourettes Without Regrets as well as local Vancouver stars. According to Rio Theatre owner Corinne Lea, “This year is going to be off the hook!” A huge Night King battle, choreographed by a pro film fight choreographer, is planned, she says. “Plus Burns the Dragon has gone all out and created an incredible costume! This show is really a labour of love for the entire cast so they are going all out for the grand finale!”

Find out more below.

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Sword-fighting, burlesque and local celebs in Game of Thrones Live

2018’s Queen of Burlesque among the guests at this year’s Vancouver Interational Burlesque Festival

by Shawn Conner in Events on February 25, 2019

Inga performs at the 2019 Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Max Shaw photo.

The reigning Queen of Burlesque 2018 is among the featured guests at this year’s Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. Taking place at the Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton St.), April 3 – 6, the festival features “dazzling dancers, naughty nerds, bawdy drag performers, and satirical stripteasers from around North America.”

Besides Inga, the first Indigenous performer to be crowned the Queen of Burlesque, VIBF also welcomes the “stripping sensation from the Mohawk Nation” Lou Lou la Duchesse de Rière (Montreal, QC). La Ducesse de Rière is currently ranked in the top 20 burlesque performers worldwide.

See what else the festival, now in its 14th year, has in store below.

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2018’s Queen of Burlesque among the guests at this year’s Vancouver Interational Burlesque Festival

Where to experience the music of ABBA in Vancouver this spring!

by Shawn Conner in Entertainment on April 3, 2018

The VSO will join Arrival from Sweden in playing the hits of ABBA May 2 at the Orpheum Theatre.

Nothing cheers up your friendly neighbourhood Inside Vancouver correspondent more than being able to bring readers news related to the music of one the best pop bands ever, ABBA. And this spring offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the music of the Swedish quartet.

A remount of the spectacular musical Mamma Mia!, a Swedish ABBA cover act playing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and even ABBA burlesque are coming to town. See below for details.

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Where to experience the music of ABBA in Vancouver this spring!

‘The most notorious show in the history of the Rio’ returns to Vancouver

by Shawn Conner in Uncategorized on July 19, 2017

Game of Thrones Live at the Rio Theatre, Vancouver, March 28 2014. Patrick Rooney photo for thesnipenews.com.

With Game of Thrones mania at a fever pitch with the start of Season 7, the time is right for the return of a show that Vancouver can’t seem to get enough of: Game of Thrones Live. The show did so well in its initial 2014 run at the Rio Theatre that it came back the following year.

An NSFW melange of burlesque, comedy, music and the occasional sword fight, Game of Thrones Live is the brainchild of Tourettes Without Regrets. The performers and creators of the long-running Bay Area underground showcase have put together a brand new show for 2017: Game of Thrones: Hodor Rises. The adults-only burlesque show is coming to the Rio for two performances, Aug. 4 & 5.

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‘The most notorious show in the history of the Rio’ returns to Vancouver

2016’s Queen of Burlesque and star boylesque performer headline this year’s Vancouver Int’l Burlesque Fest!

by Shawn Conner in Uncategorized on March 15, 2017

Reigning Queen of Burlesque, Miss Exotic World 2016 Poison Ivory performs at this years VIBF.

It’s festival time in Vancouver. And perhaps no festival is more hotly anticipated than the tassel-touting Vancouver International Burlesque Festival.

This year, the festival is bringing in two top-tier headliners: Reigning Queen of Burlesque Poison Ivory and boylesque dancer Bazuka Joe. But that’s not all, as Canada’s longest-running burlesque festival hosts two nights, The International Cabaret (March 31) and Vancouver Uncovered (April 1), that feature visiting and local performers.

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2016’s Queen of Burlesque and star boylesque performer headline this year’s Vancouver Int’l Burlesque Fest!

4 Unique Vancouver Date Night Ideas in March that You’ll Both Love

by Carrie Leslie in Uncategorized on March 7, 2017

Baby it’s cold outside, so check out these awesome date night ideas (all indoors, thankfully)

It may be tempting to stay inside this month and just veg out on the couch. But, nothing feels quite as good as getting out and about and having a fun story to talk about the next morning. If you’re looking for a few ideas to keep date night interesting, March in Vancouver has a host of events that you’ll both love. Plus, they’re all budget-friendly!

Whether you’re single, looking for double-date inspiration, or just trying to find something new to do with your love, check out one (or all) of these ideas below!

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4 Unique Vancouver Date Night Ideas in March that You’ll Both Love

Kate Bush as you’ve never heard her before!

by Shawn Conner in Uncategorized on February 9, 2017

Kate Bush circa 1980.

One of the most influential and innovative musicians of the modern era, Kate Bush has legions of fans all over the world. She’s won a Brit Award, been nominated for three Grammys and appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). In fact, perhaps the only accolade the 58-year-old singer hasn’t received is a live-music burlesque tribute. Until now, that is.

On Feb. 12, Vancouver’s monthly burlesque event Kitty Nights presents its tribute to Bush. Held at Kitty Nights’ East Van home, the Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward St.), the night includes local burlesque performers and musicians in a tribute to the singer, who had her first number one British hit at 19 in 1978 with “Wuthering Heights.” And what better way to ring in the provincial Family Day holiday than with burlesque performed to the music of Kate Bush? Continue reading:
Kate Bush as you’ve never heard her before!