"Dystopia" by Niche Artefact.

Nottingham Central Library.

So, who are Niche Artefact?

Niche Artefact are a creative collective that is based in the city of Nottingham. They curate bespoke art shows at different venues across Nottingham - featuring creatives of every medium. Being inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community and all allies. 

The evening is a celebration of Queer arts, an evening of the like that I can't ever remember experiencing previously. An evening I would readily revisit; which is just as well as the next event is in November.

Robin Da Silva curated and hosted the evening of entertainment as well as unveiling new pieces of art by local and new artists. The paintings and sculptures were unveiled throughout the evening with stories by their creators as to the reasons for their creations. As with the live entertainment, the art pieces were as varied and as exciting, all with fascinating stories behind them.

What an evening of entertainment we were treated to as well.

Opening the evening of entertainment, all the acts took to the stage in an exciting choreographed piece.

Milady Burlesque is an aerial burlesque artist who exhibited an incredible display of strength and control, as well as beauty. She also proved that she had a fine singing voice which matched the power and emotion that she put into her aerial work. A gorgeous version of Sondheim's "Send In The Clowns" matched her gorgeous costume that could have come straight out of Cher's wardrobe, only to be outshone again by her final costume change which ended the evening with another emotional song.

Ro De La Monja is a performance artist who also showcased a fine set of lungs and some equally glam costumes throughout the evening. The version of "Losing My Mind" from La Cage Aux Follies" was full of feeling with a nice edginess towards the end. The stage work ensured that your eyes were on the performer and the performance at all times.

Priscilla Shona Krackov - it didn't take me too long to get that name - also known as PSK is a Death Drop Drag Queen, and there were  a few occasions where we experienced the death drops, which I can only imagine takes an awful lot of practice and timing! Loved the gothic interpretation of Shakespear's Sister hit "Stay", complete with leather and chains, disrobing to present a look that Madonna would have been proud of. Some brilliantly exciting choreography on show from PSK.

Dani Magic is another drag act, but without the death drop. The pairing of PSK and Dani Magic was quite literally magic entertainment.

Serena Eadon is the vocalist for the evening and has an absolutely incredible multi octave voice. Serena absolutely smouldered during her version of the 1940's song "I Don't want To set The World On Fire", a very different feel to her earlier ethereal vocals. A combined set that showed off her vocal talents to the absolute maximum on Friday night.

The evening was hosted by DJ Wilson Shaw.

For a night of entertainment with a different twist, make sure that you look up Niche Artefact and you will not be disappointed, especially if you're a fan of burlesque and drag; in my eyes two of the most under rated forms of performance, and something that everyone should go out and support.