And now, as they used to say, it’s time for something completely different. It’s Sweatshop at Palais du Variete @ Assembly George Square Gardens at 22:00 on Thursday 24th. Here’s the blurb: “Briefs Factory present a late-night extravaganza, Sweatshop, hosted by the impeccably coiffed master crooner Mikelangelo. Grab yourself a knock-off drink and clock into the Sweatshop. Experience the production line of cabaret, circus and party tricks manufactured in difficult and dangerous working conditions before your eyes, featuring the Briefs Factory workers. This is a sweaty, uncompromising performance, brought to you by the team that brought you Briefs and Hot Brown Honey. Violate your senses. Dance it out.”

I’m expecting “extreme”. Extreme comedy, extreme circus, extreme burlesque. Apart from that, your guess is as good as mine. I’ve seen some of Mikelangelo’s videos on Youtube, and I confess I’m a little worried. Check back around 11.30 pm to see if my concerns were justified. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

Some of the audience reviews for this show were negative and said this was tasteless. I can only say, they didn’t get the joke. I thought this was a brilliant array of acts, including the gorgeous Lada Redstar who brought politics into burlesque in a way I had not expected. There was also a hilarious hoop act to the soundtrack of Popcorn  – and there’s a good reason for that – the chicken demolishing Gingzilla and the unforgettable Betty Grumble. She’s not called International Sex Clown for nothing, and she displays a lack of inhibition that’s second to none!