We round up the reviews for the show conceived and directed by Tosca Rivola & Dita Von Teese.
WhatsOnStage: **** “Diamonds and Dust is a glittering celebration, with a wonderful array of performers who embody confidence, style and empowerment. Whether you’re a fan of burlesque or discovering it for the first time, this fabulously glitzy show will certainly leave you entertained.”
Time Out: “What complicates matters is that Diamonds & Dust – which is the brainchild of performer and director Tosca Rivola – isn’t just an evening of burlesque. Staged in the agreeably dramatic confines of the Emerald Theatre (as far as I can tell is just a reskinned version of the Proud Embankment cabaret club), the show is billed as ‘London’s newest theatrical production’ and certainly there is an arch but considerable dramatic dimension to it. “
The Guardian: ** “The real point of it all, of course, is Von Teese herself (beware, she’s not performing in every show). She appears at the end of each half, a vivid, otherworldly presence smothered in diamante, with sparkling red lips and tiny corseted waist. At 52 she’s the absolute doyenne and holds the stage with regal charisma. Whether in statuesque pose or exultantly riding a contraption that’s a cross between a bucking bronco and a pink velvet Chesterfield, she’s untouchable, and therein lies the appeal. There is no doubt she’s worth seeing, and it’s important to say this could be a perfectly fun night out, but artistically, it feels like a step backwards.”
London Theatre.co.uk: **** “The glitzy, high-quality costumes feature an abundance of feathers, diamanté, gold and red lame, and acres of tassels. With no real set to speak of, Philip Gladwell’s lighting adds drama and atmosphere, along with Lewis Carnie’s well-chosen music which features a range of tracks from Nancy Sinatra and Eartha Kitt to Lana Del Rey.”
All That Dazzles: **** “The charm of this show is in spectacle, and for that, there are no shortcomings. The blend of burlesque and cirque leads to some riveting and truly cracking performances, quite literally in a standout sequence from Tosca Rivola, an audience member, and a whip.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “The well-known songs are all chosen to perfectly match the acts, and the ones performed by Tozer are sung live and sound superb. The show feels intimate and immersive, with lots of audience participation and Tozer’s warm interactions with the crowd. What I enjoyed the most is that despite the regular stripteases, the show never feels ‘cheap’, it oozes sophistication and is a celebration of music, dance, storytelling, and female empowerment. There are also some very sexy male performers to keep everyone in the audience happy! “
The Stage: *** “Glamorous and humorous Wild West burlesque musical, unbalanced by a convoluted narrative and uneasy pacing.”
Broadway World: *** “There’s a general sense that the night has been designed by a committee rather than a single voice. Elegance is in abundance but the sense of a unifying vision far less so. An art form that has come into its own in recent decades, burlesque hasn’t had a major presence in the West End since the days of Miss Polly Rae and the Hurly Burly Girls in 2012 so — even with its marquee star — Diamonds and Dust feels like a missed opportunity, possibly here to just whet the appetite ahead of another incoming show.”
Theatre Weekly: **** “There’s a certain moment in the narrative that manifests girl power and female awakening, with a vignette featuring the guys that almost feels like an uninvited cameo from Magic Mike! However, ultimately, with not only Von Teese but an equally formidable female-led ensemble, this production already stands as a sound showcase of female power all on its own.”
To find out more visit: To book tickets visit: https://diamondsxdust.com/