Red Hot & Black will be a vibrant and modern production to challenge anything else on the London Fringe. Seductive, sensual and sexily dressed all in black, with a classy but modern twist.
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Red Hot & Black was an idea I had in my head for a long time. I didn't have the confidence to do a full-scale musical but wanted to do something.
A show that lots of society members could be involved in, not driven by the restrictions characters in a musical can sometimes bring, plus I wanted to combine some of my most favourite things: tap, burlesque, fosse and integrating pop and musical theatre together.
Once I had the concept someone asked me - what's the theme? My response? it doesn't need one, however on reflection I thought about introducing an item of red in every number, whether it be in the title of the song 'Red Blooded Woman - by Kylie' or a pair of red ballet shoes, or an old-style camera on a tripod painted red.
They say sex sells and Burlesque was incredibly popular at the time, and I wanted to introduce elements of that into the show - and what a better way than to include a 'fan dance' - where a talented performer protects her modesty with the use of large fans! The challenges were who would do that, and budget! One very talented, and brave friend was up for it and subsequently performed the 'fan dance' on numerous occasions!
Another very close and supportive friends asked me one night what would elevate the show to another level and I said feather fans, and with that they gave me an incredibly generous donation to buy some, the introduction of 'late night' 10.00pm performances offered the opportunity to be a little more risque - and boom! Red Hot & Black was created.
Keeping a static set, with levels, central stairs with an entrance at the top surrounded by lightbulbs and a grand piano on stage created a simple but effective visual - it went on to be a critical and financial success for Sedos - which I was immensely pleased with.
All Photography by Nick Chronnell