Madame Arthur prizes tradition but is also pleased that young audiences come for the venue's weekly-changing shows
French artists Maud'Amour, Grand Soir, Odile De Mainville and Diamanda Callas, members of the transformist Cabaret Madame Arthur
Image: Joel Saget / AFP
They call it the queerest cabaret club in Paris: nestled in the capital's Pigalle neighbourhood, "Madame Arthur" dominated the French capital's drag, cross-dressing and trans scene for more than 60 years.
It was closed in 2010, like many of historic Paris's small venues, much-loved and risque, but also ageing and losing money.
But by 2015 Madame Arthur bounced back with a heady cocktail of burlesque performances featuring cover versions of old and new hits—only ever sung in French— accompanied by off-the-wall piano playing in a more modern, larger venue.
Madame Arthur prizes tradition, but is also pleased that young audiences come for the venue's weekly-changing shows.
Every Thursday to Sunday, Madame Arthur's 15 burlesque artists dress up in extravagant costumes for a night of fun and folly.