COWBOYS, CORSETS, AND QUEEN DITA: DIAMONDS AND DUST SERVES SASS, SPARKLE AND SEDUCTION

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Dita Von Teese. Faye Tozer. Cowboys. Saloon girls. Burlesque. Belting vocals. Optional dining. A wild afterparty. Honestly, what more could you want from a night out? Diamonds and Dust is a bold, glitter-drenched ride through a Wild West fantasy. It’s giving part Moulin Rouge, part Vegas, all high-glam camp. And I was absolutely here for it.

I’m a sucker for a burlesque show. There’s something timelessly sexy and self-assured about the tease, the slow reveal, the total command of the stage. I’ve done a class or two myself and picked up a few tricks, but this cast? Levels above. Rhinestones, corsets, thigh-high boots, feathers, fans, high drama, and higher heels.

Getting to see THE Dita Von Teese live was nothing short of iconic. The moment she stepped out, the energy shifted. She’s just got that old-Hollywood-meets-Vegas-goddess thing down to an art. Every movement is precise. Every costume is jaw-dropping. That silhouette? Unreal. She’s 52 and absolutely magnetic. Not in a “wow for her age” way, just… wow, full stop. Total bucket-list moment.

Faye Tozer was the wild card for me. I grew up on Steps and have seen them live more than once, so I was curious to see her solo in something so different. Her soft Southern accent? Surprisingly solid! I was glad she got to show off her vocals, but I did expect a bit more burlesque flair from her… Especially given Dita’s involvement. Her crowd work also felt a little stiff, especially in a venue where you’re so close and interactive with the tables.

The narrative? Honestly, it wasn’t the strongest and did take a rogue turn, but it did pull together the numbers. If you’re after intricate plotlines and emotional arcs, this isn’t the show for you. But if you’re here for sparkle, strut, sass, and a visual feast of empowered performers lighting up the stage? You’re in for a treat… Oh, and don’t expect the cowboys to be giving Magic Mike, they’re more ‘mood’ than ‘nudity’.

The optional dining experience looked lush, but I had standard seating so can’t speak to the food firsthand. That said, it’s definitely the kind of immersive cabaret show that pairs perfectly with cocktails and dinner. And every seat has a solid view, so you won’t miss a feather flick or booty shake.

We stayed for the Emerald After Dark after party. A nice touch if you want to keep the vibes going but be warned: the drinks are extra spenny. Think club prices with cabaret sparkle tax. But overall, Diamonds and Dust delivers on its promise: a seductive, high-energy, unapologetically glitzy escape. I left feeling inspired to dig out my pasties and give burlesque another go. It’s not trying to be deep. It’s trying to dazzle, and it absolutely does.

Just a heads up: Dita Von Teese and Faye Tozer aren’t in every performance, so make sure to check the dates before booking if you’re hoping to see them live.

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