Graduation. That was the most expensive felt hat I’ll ever wear in my life, and the even more expensive piece of paper which says I have a nice little load of brain cells…err, I think.

So it’s hello ‘ello real world: I’m coming to get you and there’ll be no more learning for learning’s sake!

Just drinking.

Well drinking and burlesque then. I’m a dreamer and want my life to be like Chicago right now, where the heady worlds of liquor and jazz start to infuse themselves in my system and hopefully by default, I’ll be luscious and jazzy. Emphasis on hopefully.

The Slippery Belle Burlesque nights are run by Bella Besame, the blooming lovely burlesque star who performs and teaches across the North. The nights offer something different to the typical sticky bar experience you get on Friday nights.

This month’s spectacle featured the popular Lady J: the hostess with the longest legs and sparkly blazers to die for – and a tongue sharper than a kitchen knife. Warning: do not heckle. You will only be embarrassed you did. I’m not the type…but I was wined and dined for evening anyway. Needed to save all that energy for DJ Mikey Wong’s set (The North West’s rockabilly, swing and everything in between specialist DJ)!

It’s a truly alternative night. One thing to note – you  must dress up. There’s no code of course but the crowd have absolutely established it. Vintage, tails, waistcoats, fascinators, corsets, corsages, polka dots, top hats and lots of rouge for that air of mischief, dahhhhhling!

Voodoo Lounge, Minshull St. £8/£6 NUS, from 8pm. Mixers £3.50. Friday August 20th, and then every mid-month. Check Facebook for details. Look for “The Slippery Belle” group and events.