Read more about the line-up for this year's Ball here
The Bizarre Steampunk Room is so fresh it’ll practically make a fizzy ‘pssshhh!’ sound when you open the door!
Its theme combines underground cabaret and Victoriana with modern technology: think brass bolts, copper cogs and ancient steam-powered pistons, heaving whale-boned bosoms and pervery beneath petticoats… but all punked up and funked up with a 21st-century industrial twist.
There’ll be fantastical furries, stiltwalkers stalking guests, and mental video visuals courtesy of Darren Rahaman – one of the guys behind this summer’s Big Chill festival horror tent.”
STARRING!!!!
ANDREW O’NEILL
After his band The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing have opened the main stage, frontman, ‘gender spastic metalhead’ and ‘occult comedian’ Andrew will transport himself to the Steampunk Room to do two stand-up sessions. A friend of Watchmen creator Alan Moore, and performer at the Download and Sonisphere festivals, Andrew’s past acts have had audiences in stitches about Jack The Ripper and the industrial revolution, and have even involved the use of black magic. Andrewoneill.co.uk
FRANK SANAZI
Reich on! Resistance to laughter is futile when you’re listening to ‘The Ubermeister of Lounge’ croon tunes such as ‘Mein Way’, ‘Strangers On My Flight’ and ‘Jack Boots Are Made For Walking’. It’s piss-take swing, tongue-in-cheek cabaret, and one a helluva gas! Nice, not nazi!
THOMAS TRUAX
Thomas wields instruments made from bicycle wheels, gramophone horns, antique cutlery, motorcycle headlamps, playing cards and other dumpster finds. They “look like they were plucked straight from the mind of Tim Burton”, and when they’re combined with guitars and hooked up to a loop pedal, expect your brain to implode. Thomastruax.com
RUFUS DAYGLO
The current illustrator of the
VICKY BUTTERFLY
Back by popular demand, living Klimt painting Vicky is developing an exceedingly special steampunk burlesque act for the 2009 Ball – rumour has it that it involves a huge mechanical turning key, but as Vicky’s added all sorts of bespoke toys to her treasure chest of props lately – including a giant rocking moon – who knows where the show will go? All that’s certain is that it will be enchanting, whimsical and mesmerising. Vickybutterfly.net
COME INTO MY PARLOUR
A crazy crew of eccentric, interactive Victorian characters ready to meet you, greet you and, in the case of ‘The Wildman’, potentially eat you. Enjoy a chummy chit chat with the inventor of steam-powered hip hop, Professor Elemental! Jeer and leer with the filthy Butcher Boys and try out their mechanical ‘Ladies’ Reliever’! Watch the apparition of Lady Shootem emerge from her coffin for a cuppa!
MORE BIZARRE EVENTS
