Bump and Grindhouse Burlesque

Horror and burlesque might not seem like an obvious pairing, but this show pulls it off flawlessly. The host was magnetic, drawing the audience in and setting the tone with flair and confidence. Stunning lighting, detailed costumes, and expertly choreographed routines elevated the entire experience. Between the chilling performances, tongue-in-cheek advertisements added just the right touch of humor, keeping the energy high and the crowd thoroughly entertained. It was an unforgettable blend of fright and fun.

One of the highlights of my Edmonton Fringe-going-experience is seeing what House of Hush Burlesque is bringing to the sacred stage of the Varscona Theatre. In 2025, it's Bump and Grindhouse–a clever play on "bump and grind" (😉) and "grindhouse", a term historically associated with both burlesque theatres and movie theatres screening low-budget horror and exploitation films. It's the perfect title for a performance that expertly shares the power and pleasures of horror with the audience through burlesque. Throughout the show I was captivated by the artistry of the cast; it was clear how much passion and care went into the costuming, choreography, and storytelling to bring this fun show to the Edmonton Fringe.

I don't typically catch a lot of burlesque, but I got so many recommendations for this one that I had to give it a shot. I'm really glad I did! The way the show was framed was fantastic, with a top notch performance from the MC. The dance numbers and costumes were absolutely fantastic, with a specific vampire costume being a real standout. Even if burlesque isn't really your thing, I could recommend this show if the spooky premise intrigues you!

A Dazzling Delight Every Time The House of Burlesque consistently delivers performances that are nothing short of mesmerizing. From the intricate choreography to the stunning costumes, every detail is executed with precision and artistry. Each performer brings their unique spark, captivating the audience with creativity and charisma. I’ve attended this show multiple times over the years, and it truly keeps getting better. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the world of burlesque—whether as a spectator or through their engaging classes—this is the place to be.

Hilarious, Sexy, and Terrifying! House of Hush consistently is the best burlesque you'll ever see.

I discovered burlesque at the Edmonton Fringe, and eversince, I try to see their offering yearly at the festival. It's a different kind of storytelling, an art that's truly captivating. I always admire how the stories are woven, and how much work goes into everything - the movements, the costumes, etc. And since I'm a horror girlie, I really had to see this year's show. And once again, I ooh'd and aah'd at all elements that made up the fantastic show.

This show was sultry, exciting, captivating, creepy, and unique. It is one of the strangest burlesque performances you will ever see, in the best way. I loved every minute of it and the dancers are so great, plus the acting and storyline interweaved so wonderfully. A must see for sure! I would go back again and again to see House of Hush, as this is my second time watching them perform at the Fringe.

Belinda Cornish and her House of Hush clan serve sweat, scream, and sultry in Bump & Grindhouse Burlesque. Held in the Varscona’s shadowed corners, this horror-themed spectacle tips the scales between goosebumps and jaw-drops. Cornish prowls the stage with razor-sharp wit, her cast of scream queens and monsters parading through jaw-dropping costumes and choreography that tease your sensibilities—and then bite. It’s sexy as always, creepy as ever, and earns every gasp. And yes, Sharpay Diem gave me actual nightmares. Bravo—if night terrors always looked this good, I’d attend again in a heartbeat.

Amazing!! What a celebration of women and body positivity! So empowering to watch! I loved the horror theme and all of the costumes were incredible. I especially enjoyed the detective, the truly chilling girl that crawled out of the well, and the raven. Belinda was a captivating host - she asked me my name and called me an idiot for providing my real one, ha ha!!

House of Hush always puts on a solid show. I loved the theme for this year and think all of the numbers fit pretty well, compared to prior years when it always felt like two or three numbers were being shoehorned in. Preamble dragged on for quite a while and the sponsorship bits got old after the second time. I’ve never noticed the MC bits being quite this long or having so many ads. Sign of the times I guess.

Samara has terrified me since I was young, and somehow someway, the wonderful dancer who portrayed her, lunged at me, ending her routine just inches from my face.

Phenomenal as always from the dancing, to the MC, to the costumes. House of Hush is a must see show for me every year, and they never disappoint.

Bump, Grind, and Bloodcurdle By Martha Estrada Baca

A show to satisfy those with darker desires, Bump and Grindhouse Burlesque offers its audience a glimpse into a world of unspeakably seductive horror. Belinda Cornish shines in this piece as our guide into this strange and eery House of Horrors. As we delve into the show she never fails to amuse with her snarky comments and witty banter. The delivery of each line is not only effective, but masterful with each inflection and emotion. The other performers beautifully complemented this and each other by committing to their own performances and cultivating a playful energy that lasted the entire show. The costumes were more beautiful than I could have imagined, from glittery corsets to vampire capes. Come and watch a performance that will be sure to dazzle.

What House of Hush consistently pulls off at Fringe is making a sexy, fun, hilarious Burlesque show, that also pulls at something deeply human and powerful. This is a show about pain and anger in an increasingly unpleasant world. It's a testament to the power of people finding joy, expressing power, and also taking their clothes off.

A great cast, and a steal at this ticket price. Go ahead, sell-out the rest of their run!

House of Hush Burlesque always put a lot of time and effort into crafting a well thought out and rehearsed show. The costuming in Bump and Grindhouse was really beautiful and the dancers were sultry and spooky! Violette is always a stand out and she had a fun number for this show. As excellent as the MC of the show is, my only complaint is that the dialogue runs on a bit. I know costume changes take time and it has to be filled somehow but I think the audience all appreciates getting to see the dancers over the MC. I would love to see another creative time filler that's less dialogue heavy for this type of show. An hour really isn't long enough!

What a fun show! An opportunity to give into your darker urges, for sure 😉 The performances were all spectacular, each routine was so unique and it's clear that so much work went into choreagraphing and costuming them. I was equal parts entertained, impressed, seduced, and creeped out! Scary stuff!