Ivy Paige - 'Head' Mistress

"F*** subtle," sings the flame-haired Ivy Paige at one point during her rewardingly extravagant performance, in what could be a credo for the entire show. Audiences attending what may arguably be the standout burlesque act of this year's Fringe should know what they are getting into: something loud, passionate, glittery and completely unafraid.

As the burgeoning neo-burlesque movement has become an increasingly familiar aspect of the Fringe over the past few years, regular punters could be forgiven for growing weary of its repetitions. Thankfully, Ms Paige does not dispense with the classic tropes, but revitalises them with sheer comic timing and an astonishing singing voice. Accompanied on piano by Dexy's Midnight Runners' Pete Saunders and laced into a corset that redefines the term 'hourglass', the "internationally ignored showgirl" serves up everything one would expect from a modern night of burlesque: belted-out nightclub standards from a bygone era, laced with risque humour and bawdy interaction.

This bears repeating: audience participation is a major part of Paige's performance style, and she spends as much time off the stage, prowling shark-like through the crowd for semi-willing assistants, as she does on it. Provided they know what they're getting into however, this should not unduly disquiet anyone's evening.

Paige is a talented comedian, despite relying a little too much on the double-entendre, but her key appeal is a spectacular voice which would justify the entire show, even shorn of its sideshow entertainments. A worthwhile adventure for both veterans of burlesque and newcomers alike.