Snapdragon Cabaret: Behind the Scenes at The Maddermarket Theatre

Burlesque Photography at The Maddermarket Theatre

On February 25th I was invited back to The Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich to photograph behind-the-scenes shots of Snapdragon cabaret. As a photographer at Foyers Photography, I have always been drawn to theatre work, where capturing the performers and their surroundings sits together in one frame.

The Maddermarket Theatre: A Historic Gem

The Maddermarket is a historic building in the heart of Norwich. Restored over the years, it is now home to a thriving arts community. With its low ceiling and narrow passageways it has an intimate feel, and its rich history and quirky features make it a joy to photograph.

Snapdragon Cabaret: Body Positivity and Inclusivity

Snapdragon cabaret is a talented group of burlesque performers. Burlesque combines music, dance and satire, and the performers use their bodies to tell stories and express themselves in a way that is both captivating and entertaining.

My job is to capture the essence of the performance and the performers, the beauty, energy and emotion, along with the characters behind them. One of the things I admire about Snapdragon cabaret is its commitment to body positivity and inclusivity. They welcome performers of all genders and sexualities and create a safe, supportive environment for everyone.

Behind the Scenes

As I arrived I was met with hugs and smiles. Having photographed them before, they are comfortable with me around taking reportage photographs. Through the day I captured the performers preparing for the show, applying makeup, styling hair and rehearsing. Their dedication was clear, and each brought their own style and personality to the stage.

Capturing the Performance

As the show began I moved around the theatre, taking shots from different angles. I used a mix of long and short lenses to catch the action on stage and the reactions of the audience. The energy was electric, and the performers took their bows to thunderous applause. It was a magical moment to document.

Conclusion

Working with Snapdragon cabaret is always a pleasure. They are a wonderful group of people who create inspiring, entertaining performances, and the Maddermarket Theatre is a unique, historic space to match. I feel privileged to capture the energy and emotion of these shows, and I look forward to the next time, helping share their message of body positivity and inclusivity.