WHEN talking about a Burlesque show, the word Burlesque conjures up different meanings to a number of people.

It might mean a German style Cabaret from the 1920s/1930s like the film of the same name, it might mean a style of show from the 1950s/1960s with glamour and striptease.

One person for whom Burlesque means a living and yet something far stronger is Havana Hurricane who will be part of SHHH! Burlesque which will be at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton on February 15.

When asked what she thought Burlesque meant to people she said ‘that was the million pound question’.

She said: “For me I never know how to explain it. But in my eyes Burlesque means empowerment, entertainment and my goal at the end of the day is for everyone who comes to the show to go away feeling empowered.

"I think Burlesque is intelligent witty and means whatever you want it to be.

“It is a way of giving people a voice, allowing people to perform and express themselves. It is also a way of doing political satire.

"It has certainly has a revival since the 1990s and many more things like drag has been incorporated into it.”

Havana Hurricane has been involved in Burlesque for eight years. When she began in this form of entertainment she had no preconceptions of what to expect from it.

Havana said: “When I started I just wanted people to feel empowered like it did.

"Things have changed and I remember when I first started having to change in the toilets and get ready without any lights. Mow we have a dressing room and laugh about what we have been through.”

For Havana she sees her character as based on Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe and Cher.

It is her alter ego, Havana on stage can do anything, she can achieve everything and this has given her confidence off stage to think the same.

Speaking about the show she said: “What people will see when they come to the show are some of the finest performers of Burlesque in the whole of the UK.”

Tickets £17. Buy online at thebrewhouse.net or call the box office on 01823 283244.