Immodesty Blaize to Perform at Hay-on-Wye

Immodesty Blaize will perform at this year’s Hay-on-Wye literary festival.

The British dancer will perform a brief burlesque routine and read excerpts from her debut “bonkbuster” Tease.

Immodesty, whose real name is Kelly Fletcher, is thought to be the first glamorous showgirl to perform at the prestigious festival, which is regarded worldwide as the pinnacle event of the literary calendar.

The artist told Wales on Sunday: “The audience can expect an uber glamorous performance with lots of rhinestones and feathers.”

Her performance is expected to fall on Saturday, May 29, when she will be introduced on stage by camp comedian Julian Clary. Nifty, her miniature Yorkshire terrier which is trained to collect stockings at the end of burlesque acts, could also make an appearance.

Immodesty’s performance will set the scene for a reading from her romantic novel, published on May 14, and will give the audience an insight into the life of a typical showgirl.

“It will be an extremely colourful background to the story, which is what it should have as the world of the showgirl has lots of juicy gossip and is glamorous and that’s what the book’s about.

“It’s a real bonkbuster that will definitely give some insider information about this kind of world.”

The novel represents Immodesty’s first foray into the literary arena, and she added that she is honoured it is being marked with an appearance at the book festival. Over the years, the festival has welcomed Welsh mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins and celebrated motoring journalist and Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson.

Some Like it Hot star Tony Curtis, legendary jazz artist Hugh Masekela and the Archbishop of Canterbury Professor Rowan Williams have all been confirmed to attend this year’s event.