A BANGERS and mash restaurant in west Suffolk has ventured into the world of burlesque – and it is really taking off, according to its owners.

BangBangs Wine Bar & Restaurant in Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, is now putting on burlesque nights, where customers can be entertained by burlesque dancers as well as get involved themselves.

Burlesque – humorous theatrical entertainment also involving an element of striptease – has been making a comeback, with a new generation of performers such as Dita Von Teese leading the way.

Claire Anderton, who owns BangBangs with Charlie Knight, said the turn-out for the burlesque nights – on the last Sunday of every month – was getting stronger and stronger.

She believed the form of entertainment brought something different to the town, and was attracting a range of people.

“I think it’s a refreshing change. No-one is offended by it. It’s just taken off,” she said. Miss Anderton did not believe burlesque was seedy, instead describing it as comedy striptease, adding that you do not take all your clothes off.

She said: “It’s all done tongue in cheek. They make a bit of a fool of themselves on stage.

“Rather than trying to arouse someone they make someone laugh instead, with the art of taking your clothes off at the same time.”

She said the nights were proving popular with hen parties, much more so than stag parties.

On the nights about five dancers perform, supported by a stand-up comedian, and then the audience – dressed in burlesque outfits – join in with the dancing.

BangBangs is also running burlesque classes.