Shay Stafford - Memoirs of a Showgirl

PHOTOS: Memoirs Of A Showgirl: The Stage Show

Bryce — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:18:28 +0000

Since last I blogged, I’ve been a busy little showgirl. Despite thinking my high-kicking days were well and truly over, I’ve staged two sets of shows in Sydney and Melbourne. I’m thrilled and humbled to report both the Sydney (very mini) season of Memoirs Of A Showgirl: The Stage Show, and the Brisbane (mini) season were both sell-outs. Two nights at The Vanguard in Sydney, followed a month later by three nights at Stockholm Syndrome in Brisbane.

It was a pleasure to be back on stage, in the feathers – and I want to say a big thank you to all of you who made the effort to come along and indulge me.

For those of you who missed out … watch this space – and the Memoirs of A Showgirl Facebook page – for details on upcoming shows. There’s definitely another show coming up in Sydney, and possibly a return (mini) season in Brisbane later in the year.

Meanwhile, see below some photos from the show at The Vanguard, taken by the talented photographer, Rick Monk.

Memoirs Of A Showgirl: The Stage Show – Feb 7, Sydney

Bryce — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:14:11 +0000

For one night only, I’ll be performing on stage in Sydney on February 7 and would love to see you there.

It is with enormous excitement – and just a little bit of nervousness – that I announce the creation of Memoirs Of A Showgirl: The Stage Show.

It’s all happening Tuesday 7 February at The Vanguard theatre in Newtown, Sydney.

Tickets are limited – so book now! Either telephone the venue direct on (02) 9557 9409 or book online here

It promises to be night filled with feathers, sequins, showgirl reminisces and a performance or two. I’ll be joined on stage on the night by The Vanguard’s resident burlesque beauties, The Jaded Vanities.

Join me as I pull back the curtain on Paris cabaret. Look forward to seeing you there.

Kisses – Shay x

* Burlesque Classes in Brizzy

Bryce — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:41:09 +0000

I had the great pleasure of teaching a Paris showgirl class last week at the Bombshell Burlesque and Beauty Academy in Brisbane. I was blown away by the enthusiasm and talent on display. The ability to turn on the tease by all the girls present was truly astonishing. And each of you took to the showgirl routine with aplomb.

To be able to showcase some of the signature showgirl choreography, workshop the classic showgirl poses and conduct a workshop on the secrets of showgirl make-up was a distinct pleasure – and I look forward to coming back again soon. Thanks to all the girls who took part. And don’t forget to always nurture your inner showgirl.

Shay x

For more information on the Bombshell Burlesque and Beauty Academy, visit their website.

* Ultimate Girly High Tea – Fundraiser for Flood Relief

Bryce — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:40:03 +0000

This Sunday 1st May, Shay will be attending a very glamourous morning tea at the Brisbane Sofitel. Along with some of Queensland’s most inspiring women including Therese Rein, Rebecca Sparrow, Frances Whiting, Tara June Winch and many more, Shay will be helping to raise money to help those affected by the recent natural disasters in her home state of Queensland. Shay has donated a raffle prize of a Cabaret Master Class for one lucky winner and friends. Ooh la la – let them eat cake!

For more details of The Ultimate Girly High Tea click here

Author Chat Hachette Australia

Bryce — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:47:35 +0000

The Hachette Australia promo video where Shay introduces herself for the first time after returning from Paris. She gives a brief explanation of Memoirs of a Showgirl while showing us glimpses of the Moulin Rouge and Lido shows and their beautiful costumes.

La Vie en Rouge

Bryce — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:40:12 +0000

Shay Stafford starred as a celebrated showgirl in the iconic Moulin Rouge, writes Danielle Teutsch for The Sun Herald. To read the article which made me feel nostalgique for beautiful Paris click here

His and Hers Book Deals – The West Australian

Bryce — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:27:46 +0000

In Drew Turney’s A Day In The Life Of A Showgirl, he writes “It’s sweet for a husband and wife to have his and hers bath robes, but how cool is it to have his and hers book deals? To read the article click here

Review : The Sunday Telegraph

Bryce — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 12:10:33 +0000

This is a fairytale – with sequins, writes Lucy Clark in her review for The Sunday Telegraph. A fairytale in which a down-to-earth Brisbane girl becomes a famous dancer at Paris’ Lido and Moulin Rouge. With husband Bryce Corbett, Shay Stafford provides a backstage peek behind the glamour and magic of Paris cabaret, introduces an array of eccentric showfolk, and describes the life of an Australian expat in that beautiful city. Stafford’s passion for dance leaps off every page in this vibrantly written book and her story is an endearing and readable testament to following your dream.
Download the pdf here : Memoirs of a Showgirl Sunday Telegraph

Review : Gold Coast Bulletin

Bryce — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:40:20 +0000

Michael Jacobson, of the Gold Coast Bulletin, reviewed Memoirs of a Showgirl, saying it reveals an eye for detail that enlivens tales of Parisian life and the thrill of living one’s dream, along with more sombre moments that occur in a dancer’s career when one is so far from the comfort and warmth of family. Stafford explains the commitment and work required to make it as a dancer. “The Moulin Rouge loves Aussie dancers. They like the fact we are well trained and tall but also that we are not afraid of hard work.” To read more download the pdf here:

MM_ Gold Coast Bulletin

Cafe Society covergirl

Bryce — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:04:04 +0000

The Sydney-based ‘Cafe Society’ magazine made me their covergirl in December, using one of Carla Coulson’s beautiful portraits. Below are some extracts from the accompanying article by D.R. Lennox.
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Speaking over the phone from her Sydney home where she has just put her daughter Rose to bed, Stafford is revelling in her return to Australia and her role as a stay-at-home mum after thirteen years in Europe.
Not that the days of the Lido are long-gone – she’s spent most of her retirement writing (with husband Bryce Corbett), Memoirs Of A Showgirl, detailing her time as a dancer in Paris.
Like an athlete, Stafford was very much concerned with her weight while performing; it was written into the dancers’ contract that they would never gain nor lose more than two kilos. This and other revealing details are contained in Memoirs Of A Showgirl.
“I wanted to show people that being a Paris showgirl is really hard work,” says Stafford. “People have this misconception that it’s all glamour, that it’s this high life; but it can be very lonely.”