Ask a Stripper challenges you to rethink everything you know about stripping and sex work. This free comedy show invites you to engage with two charismatic and articulate female strippers. At best, it is empowering and refreshingly honest – yet it could be funnier.
A mental lap dance to be remembered
Stacey Clare is the author of The Ethical Stripper, which takes a detailed look at the sex industry, rejecting notions of victimhood and stigma. She also promotes sex workers’ unions in the UK. Gypsy Charms, the creator of Illicit thrills, was replaced on the opening night by another Scottish talent Roxy from Glasgow.
The show kicks off with a taste of their stripping talents, followed by more witty banter in the Q&A session, where they share stories and anecdotes from the industry. The comedic elements were somewhat rough around the edges, perhaps due to the cast change or opening-night nerves, but these will undoubtedly improve as they get more shows under their belt.
Ask a Stripper relies heavily on intriguing questions. On the opening night, they were rather predictable: career choices, best stripping venues, industry exploitation, and whether there are catfights between the girls. Perhaps the most interesting conversation revolved around the disproportionate number of neurodivergent people in the sex industry and the reasons behind it.
Ask a Stripper is a boldly feminist statement that breaks down barriers, asks important questions about societal morals and provides a new appreciation for the art of stripping. These ladies will deliver a mental lap dance to be remembered.
