When it comes to burlesque, Lena Mae Lenman describes herself as “an old hand!”

And that’s exactly the kind of light-hearted jovialness that makes her company, the Hundred Watt Club so popular amongst audiences.

“I’ve been performing burlesque and vaudeville for around twelve years now,” said Lena. “I’d always loved dancing and dreamed of performing something, anything, but I didn’t know what.

“Then, at a friend’s wedding reception, two burlesque artists were the entertainment. I found it so cute and charming, and I noticed how they were expressing their creativity and sexuality on their own terms – and that night I decided, that’s what I’m going to do! So I put together a little act, it was a sailor-themed striptease and put myself out there.”

After performing for a few years, Lena was approached by an arts centre in Aldershot to produce a show.

It proved to be a huge success, and after snowballing and growing into the operation she now runs – the Hundred Watt Club – has toured all over the country.

“I have hundreds of performers on my books, and I’m always on the look-out for more,” continued Lena.

“I want to keep each show fresh for the audience and make sure those who’re returning to see us for a second, third, fourth time, always have a brand-new experience. We have drag acts, circus, comedy, sideshow, any kind of alternative cabaret I can find, and of course real old school vaudeville, mimes, magic, music hall! It’s a glorious melting pot!”

And with all that variety on offer, it’s safe to say you’ll never know quite what to expect attending one of Lena’s shows.

She said: “For those who haven’t experienced a Hundred Watt Club show, I’d describe it as a glorious night of escapism!

“It’s not simply about titillation and striptease, it’s a multifaceted world – and after the show, new audience members are always surprised about how much they’ve laughed throughout the course of the night.

“It is grown-up fun though, really not for the easily offended! We embrace adult themes, partial nudity, strong language – it’s all tongue in cheek…I tend to say it’s naughty…but very, very nice!”

The Hundred Watt Club’s Evening of Burlesque comes to the Gloucester Guildhall on Saturday 18th May, and again later in the year on Saturday 23rd November.

“My absolute favourite thing about performing is making people laugh,” added Lena.

“It’s the loveliest feeling to build that invisible connection and trust with an audience and see them enjoying themselves.

“I feel so lucky to call it a job, it’s so colourful and really ridiculous. It’s just like playing dress up every night – though I will admit it’s really hard work behind the scenes!”

For more information visit the Hundred Watt Club Facebook page www.facebook.com/hundredwattclub