Welcome to Extant

Burlesque and the BIT Festival 2009

Heather Gilmore, Billy Baxter and Amelia Cavallo in a line holding hands

Extant is currently creating a full length show based on an initial 6 day research and development project into burlesque, comedy and visual impairment.

Amelia Cavallo Looking through her fingers

In ‘Show Girl’, which was presented in 2007 at the Cochran Theatre to an invited audience, Extant worked with burlesque artist Genevieve Chang and director Alex Bulmer beginning to explore some central dynamics in this area.

Heather Gilmore sprawls, fallen on the floor

Recently Extant was invited to present a piece for the Outsiders 30th anniversary, so revived some of our research project and refreshed it with some new twists.

Amelia Cavallo crawls on the floor in her underwear Amelia Cavallo reflects a hand mirror at the audience

The biggest alteration was inviting Billy Drag (AKA Billy Baxter) to MC the showcase performance. Extant had not worked with Billy as yet and had only heard of his blind stunt riding and his wish to learn more about drama, but when he revealed his love of drag, we had to work him into the showcase!

Blonde wigged Billy Baxter with red nails Heather, Billy and Amelia singing

Billy was a natural and so we naturally had to invite him to come with us to Zagreb where we were due to present the Burlesque showcase next!

Blind In Theatre 6th International Festival 1-7 Oct 2009.

Heather leaning over a chair showing a bunny tail

Extant was given an award at this year’s festival by the organisers, New Life, who celebrate their 60th year as a company of visually impaired performers. The award recognised Extant’s veteran status at the festival, it being the 6th year of our attendance. This time we took our Burlesque showcase performance featuring Amelia Cavallo, Heather Gilmore and Billy Baxter.

Heather and Amelia in tinsel wigs brawling with white canes Amelia in a tinsel wig and bubble wrap dress posing Head shot of Amelia in tinsel wig

Billy worked the audience as only a real pantomime dame can, managing to make a language lesson among the several nationalities in the audience turn into a right raunchy affair…! While Amelia and Heather brought the emphasis back to the questions at the heart of the work.

Back of Amelia drapes an orange scarf like a toga Billy and Amelia in dresses

Photographs by Ashley. www.savageskin.co.uk

More information:

Next Gig!

International Day of Disabled Persons

Thursday, 3rd December 2009 in the Foyer Bar, Brighton Dome 7pm

Featuring Extant's Burlesque and MC Billy Drag!

Also Liz Carr and Mat Frazer.

Amelia Cavallo nominated for the 2010 Erotic Awards!

photo of Amelia performing her scarf dance. She is standing up and holding the scarf in front of her, the light creates a silhouette of her body

Amelia will perform her burlesque piece developed by Extant at the semi-finals event, 'CUNNING STUNTS' on Wednesday 3rd February 2010, from 7-11pm at:
Cable Cabaret Club
33A Bermondsey St, London SE1 2EG.

This is a fund raising event for The Outsiders Trust.
Tickets £50 each which includes welcome bubbly, canapés and scrumptuous supper
To book:
0707 499 0808
LeydigTrust@yahoo.co.uk
www.erotic-awards.co.uk

Extant is supported by: