Athlone Burlesque Star Brings Festival Back For A Fourth Year

Thursday, 10 September 2026 20:05

Athlone burlesque performer Memphis Shell discusses the history, confidence and community behind the artform ahead of the Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival.

Burlesque may be known for its glamour, costumes and larger-than-life performances, but for Athlone performer Memphis Shell, the art form goes much deeper.

“Burlesque is a dance art form that is hundreds of years old,”

Memphis explains that its roots stretch back centuries, beginning as a form of theatrical parody and skit before evolving over the years. As burlesque moved underground, it experienced different ebbs and flows in popularity before developing into the performance style audiences recognise today.

Memphis began her own burlesque journey in her 30s, after spending years wanting to give it a try. She says that once she finally took the plunge, she threw herself into it developing her own performance style and becoming part of the burlesque scene in Athlone.

“It’s become a huge passion in my life”.

Through her show Only After Dark, Memphis brings together performers from across Ireland. Memphis says she has watched the country’s burlesque community grow significantly over the past decade. However, the scene is still feeling some of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly when it comes to venues and how audiences buy tickets.

“Covid changed things with venues and ticket sales. Pre-Covid, tickets sold out fast, so you were in a good place before the show. Now it’s last-minute sales, so that can be stressful.”

While the industry has faced challenges, Memphis believes burlesque itself can have a hugely positive impact on the people who take part.

Memphis says stepping into a character and creating an alter ego can give performers an opportunity to explore a different side of themselves and build confidence.

“Burlesque is therapy.”

That belief in the power of performance also feeds into one of Memphis’s biggest projects. Four years ago, Memphis launched the Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival, a pageant-style celebration of the art form which brings performers together to compete for the title of Heart of Ireland. The festival also gives newcomers their moment in the spotlight through its beginners’ title, the Shannon Spirit Award. Now returning to Athlone, the Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival takes place Friday 11^th and Saturday the 12^th at the Dean Crowe Theatre, with a packed programme of performances and events planned across the weekend. For Memphis, it marks another chapter in a journey that began simply with wanting to try something new in her 30s and grew into a passion that now sees her helping create a stage for burlesque performers from across Ireland discussed in full on Shine A Light.

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