Interview With The Original Yorkshire Tease Amber Topaz!

Photo by Magnus Arrevand

Following Catherine’s interview which has been shared on Facebook by the wonderful Dita Von Teese herself our viewers have gone up to nearly 20,000 now! So with this in mind I want to remind you why you should stay reading and share this lovely interview with another UK top performer.

I would like to introduce you all to another red head performer and the original Yorkshire tease, Amber Topaz!

Amber Topaz has razzle dazzled her way to international stardom by enchanting her audiences with her hip shaking boundless energy, stunning vocals & saucy comedy shenanigans.

As a child Amber became a full time dance student with a dedicated 19 hours a week after school & weekends, training daily in classical Ballet, Tap & modern dance. Debuting her singing skills live on stage at 12 years old in a talent competition on holiday. The entertainment team was so impress they asked her to be in their finale show. This gave her a taste for the lime light.

Moving to London from Yorkshire after being accepted in to performing arts college ‘The London Studio Centre’ on her natural singing voice. Once graduating like so many performers became a professional auditione. Occasionally landing a wonderful role in a Musical theatre production including London’s westend. The inconsistency of work lead her to create her own opportunities writing songs and comedy. She really came in to her own when she discovered Burlesque as she could utilize all her talents whipping Theatrical storm.

Photo by Zoe Hunn

How did you get into the burlesque industry?

I auditioned for a giggle for the 'Whoopee Club' at a night called Hip Hip in front of a live audience at the infamous Bethnal Green Working Men's Club. The Whoopee club instantly signed me up to their agency.

How did the name Amber Topaz come about?

I was named by burlesque photographer 'Neil Kendall' I was pin-up modelling for him & he suggested I do burlesque. He called me Amber Topaz one day while in character. (Hilariously very often he would break in to some role play or other).When The Whoopee Club asked my burlesque name I said 'I suppose it's Amber Topaz'.

Do you have a favourite routine/performance?

My signature routine is to 'Benny Goodman's 1938 version of Sing,Sing,Sing' its high energy,joyful,comedic,bonkers & yet still somehow a glamorous striptease. 

This piece of music makes my soul sing. I can't image ever getting tired of it.

You have just recently finished Headlining UK & International Theatre Tour 'An Evening of Burlesque', I went to see this myself and it was a brilliant show, you were great! How have you found the experience?

Touring is far from glamorous. Hours on a mini bus for what feels like a moment on stage. But I have literally had the honour to perform my acts to thousands in mostly beautiful theatres & the audiences have been incredible. 

You have performed in a huge amount of places…do you still get nervous about going on stage?

I always get a little surge of adrenaline. I get super nervous if I perform a new routine or song. 

You are on stage and being photographed a lot of the time. Looking after yourself must play a big part in your life. What are you favourite beauty products and why?

I have always preferred natural products. If you can eat it then I reckon your skin'll accept it too. I moisturise with 100% pure organic coconut oil. Organic Hemp & Almond soap. I also use Dr Hauscahka face power made from minerals,herbs & essential oils.

Do you have a set beauty routine?

Lots of sleep, drinking water, smiling & laughing lifts the soul & shines through the skin.

On that note how to you keep yourself in shape for your performances?

My performances are high energy so that keeps me trim. I walk up escalators in tube & I stretch a little. Also Yoga.

What’s your diet like?

I'm intolerant to Gluten,dairy & citrus amongst other things. I have strong will power. I rarely eat sugary foods or drink alcohol. 

I manly eat vegetables, a little fish,rice & super foods. I haven't eaten any meat apart for chicken occasionally since I was 10. 

How would you describe your fashion style?

Vintage meets kids from fame. As a trained dancer I always feel comfortable in legging and leg warmers.

Where are you favourite places to shop, both for burlesque goodies and for yourself?

Vintage store 'Cloud Cookoo Land', Islington, London. I have some beautiful vintage pieces from there & 'Black Out 2',Endell St, Covent Garden. 

I make my own costumes but get most lingerie staples from 'What Katie Did'. 

I love 'Miss L-Fire shoes'. 

What are your must have pieces of make up?

For shows....Red lipstick:Mac: Ruby Woo, eyebrow pencil & false eyelashes. 

What is your favourite perfume?

Meals Yard remedies Eau de parfum no2  'Rose' 

What do you like to do with your time off from being Amber Topaz?

Nearly everything I do is connected to work somehow...sewing or writing new material. Though earlier this year I went and did some charity work in Zimbabwe. It certainly was a reality shift. It was magical & heart breaking in equal measures.

Who are your biggest inspirations and why?

I am inspired by music that makes my soul sing, musicals & film. I love Liza Minnelli in Cabaret. The opulence of  Baz Luhrmann's 'Moulin Rouge'. Victoria Wood is comedy gold and Bob Fosse choreography.

What advice would you give to a girl reading this?

Live lightly. Live your dreams. We are all stars, at night some of us shine a little brighter. 

 

Photo by Lorenzo Paxia

I would like to thank Amber Topaz for her time doing this interview for you all. Please feel free to check out her website for further info http://www.ambertopaz.co.uk/.

Stay tuned for more fabulous interviews, beauty, fashion, reviews and much more. Next time I speak to you all hopefully we will have well over 20,000 views and be looking forward to the next 20,000!!

xoxo