Musical theatre trained and with over a decade in burlesque, Didi Derriere is prolific on the London circuit, with regular performances at The MAINE Mayfair, Black Cat Cabaret, Gin House Burlesque, Phoenix Arts Club, and The Beguiling Hour at Crazy Coqs. Her appearances across Europe include Ohh Lala Cherie! in Zurich, La Bottega in Rome, the Frank Martini: Party of the Century tour, and The Summer Jamboree Festival. Didi is also a regular star attraction aboard the British Pullman and world-famous Orient Express.
In 2021, Didi made history as the first showgirl to perform at The Windmill following its grand revamp, featured on a six metre high billboard in the heart of Soho. A published model, she has featured in Tatler and Vogue, and worked with Belmond, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton.
Here’s her 21.
1. How would you define yourself in three words?
Fun, kind and authentic.
2. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Jennifer Lawrence. She’s got the right amount of comedic wit coupled with not caring what others think too much.
3. What is your biggest strength?
My ability to keep my heart open and see the best in other people.
4. What is your biggest weakness?
Procrastination.
5. When are you most happy and inspired?
I am the most happy and inspired when I am creating something exciting that challenges me and scares me at the same time.
6. What is your favourite on-screen burlesque moment from film or TV?
Not necessarily burlesque, but Showgirls will always be iconic to me.
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
I love this quote from Brene Brown, and I have come back to it many times:
‘Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world; our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self acceptance. Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.’
8. If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be?
If it’s just for one day then it would have to be Chapell Roan at the Grammys when she performed Pink Pony Club! I absolutely love everything about her and how her music inspires and lifts people up. She is so fabulous!
9. What’s the biggest myth or misconception about burlesque?
That it’s all glitz and glamour! The reality is that most of our injuries come from dragging a 30kg suitcase around and we are changing in a dingy, dark basement most of the time, if not the disabled toilet!
10. If you could only perform to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I absolutely love performing my Bring on the Men act. I have been performing it for 10 years now but I feel I enjoy it more and more every year. It has the right amount of light and shade and hits the spot with the ending!
11. What surprisingly useful things do you have in your show case?
Cable ties! They are so useful, especially when trying to fix or hold something together quickly. They can be a saviour for your feather fans if you snap a stave.
12. Do you have a backstage ritual?
I chant ‘Nam myoho renge kyo’ in my head three times before I go on stage; it’s a Japanese phrase chanted by Nichiren buddhists.
13. What advice would you give to new performers starting out today?
Always follow what initially inspired you. Don’t try to do something too different just for the sake of being different. Follow the joy, stay true to yourself, and watch as many live shows as you can! Make sure you always create for yourself and don’t try to please the masses. The audience will connect with how at home you are on stage and how empowered you feel. You need to connect to yourself first before you can connect to a live audience.
14. What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is being able to navigate having a family and also following my heart and pursuing a career in burlesque. I became a mum as soon as I graduated from musical theatre school and didn’t know where my life would lead. But I followed what inspired me and took action, and I’m proud to have and enjoy my career. I have learned so much (and still am) and I’m so grateful to have such an amazing network of friends and family around me, and a wonderfully supportive husband.
15. What is your biggest regret?
Nothing is lost that is born of the heart. I believe as long as we believe we are doing the right thing at the time, there is nothing to regret; just learn from it and move forwards.
16. What is the biggest challenge facing today’s burlesque scene?
Closing venues! It’s so sad to see so many venues closing their doors. This then creates less space for us to showcase our art and inspire the community. If you are able to, please please please buy a ticket to come and see a show! We need you now more than ever.
17. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started out in burlesque, what would it be?
You don’t need to choreograph every beat of the music in your acts! Leave room for play and to experiment and read the room. Also, don’t start onstage in a position before your music starts! This leaves you vulnerable to feeling very awkward if there are any tech issues or they play the wrong track! Listen for your music and then confidently make your entrance.
18. What is a cause or issue that’s very important to you?
One cause that really matters to me is supporting young people, especially when it comes to mental health and online safety. As a mother, I’m always thinking about how vulnerable young people can be, especially online. It’s so important they not only have the tools to protect themselves, but also the support to maintain a healthy mindset. Meditation has served as a constant for me to come back to and I’m grateful for the access I’ve had to support.
19. What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
I am currently half way through watching Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion on Amazon Video. I am absolutely obsessed with Bob Mackie and I would die extremely happy if I ever got to wear/own/ one of his gowns.
20. If you could share a dressing room with one performer for the rest of your career, who would it be?
This is a hard one, but I would have to say Lolo Brow! We don’t get to work together very often, but when we do I have the best time. They are both funny and kind in equal measure and are happy to entertain my lack of small talk and dive into the meatiness of life all in the safety of a backstage space. Sharing a backstage space is probably one of the things I treasure most about this job; I don’t take it for granted.
21. What would you like your life and career to look like in 10 years time?
I’m looking forward to having more time to travel and explore as my kids get older, and continuing to create, whether that be in burlesque, theatre, teaching, workshops or art. The main aim is to stay as present as I can and soak it all in.
Follow Didi Derriere on Instagram and visit her website. Didi also style wigs! Check out @bewigged or email at bewiggedbydidi@gmail.com with any questions or commission requests.
