Listening to the audience and their desire to be entertained inspired Russall Beattie to take the Empire Strips Back Parody on the road. This parody has taken the big stage by storm with a number of consecutive sold out shows. Allow me to share with you a little history about the show then we’ll dive into the intimate one on one interview I had with the phenomenal Russall Beattie.

First imagined in 2011 by creator Russall S. Beattie, the original production was booked in a small, 150 seat room in Sydney for a one-off, three-night run. Fast-forward to seven national sold-out Australian tours, an enthusiastic audience of over 60,000, and a 2016 Huffington Post video feature boasting 20+ million viral views, TESB is set to entertain U.S. fans with a live entertainment experience like no other. “It’s been an amazing journey from the little stage we started on to the majestic theatres we play now,” says Russall. “We never stop developing the show – always trying to make it bigger and crazier, and, yes, reach the standard of quality of the films. Everywhere we go, our fans are passionate and excited, and they deserve an unforgettable, fun night out.”

The Empire Strips Back celebrates the resurgence of burlesque, while delivering a powerful experience for fans of the art form as well as the classic film series. “The artistic direction guiding every Star Wars-inspired burlesque show has its’ own personality, giving audiences the opportunity to appreciate different versions of the genre.”

The cast and crew of the critically acclaimed Star Wars burlesque parody show The Empire Strips Back are gearing up for the start of their North American tour with the release of a brand new tour trailer starring many of the beloved characters featured in the live show. The clip features a cover of David Bowie’s “Starman” performed by Australian artist Mojo Juju. Fresh from a sold-out six-city tour of California, The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody is returning for a six-week tour from March 30-May 4.

Featuring all of the classic Star Wars™ characters, The Empire Strips Back – A Burlesque Parody takes audiences to a galaxy far, far away, creating one of the most unforgettable (and unauthorized) theatrical versions of the beloved franchise. Combining striptease, song and dance, troupe routines and plenty of humor, audiences are transported into the world of burlesque to witness a menacing troop of seriously sexy Stormtroopers, a dangerously seductive Boba Fett, tantalizing Twi’leks, a delightfully lukewarm Taun Taun, a lady-like Skywalker, and of course, scantily clad and daring Droids. Even Darth Vader will explore her feminine side with a fantastical twist.

Interview Highlights With Russall Beattie

Russall spoke candidly during the interview about the importance of recognizing how you’re merely as good as your last show. This was a reality for him while reading a letter from a fan wondering when the show would return to a city near him. The fan shares with him in the letter he’s dying and want to see the show one last time. That’s when Russall realized that to some people the Empire Strips Back Parody is more than just a show. Many people are looking for an opportunity to enjoy some interactive entertainment while escaping the everyday stress. With a running time of two hours, it sounds like a splendid evening to me.

I was intrigued as a Star Wars fan to learn that the show was recently rebuilt from scratch. The set was developed by folks that have worked on some of the actual Star Wars films to expand the production set to entertain a larger audience. Russall shared a secret with me behind the scenes there are 10 cast members bringing the show to life. Along with puppets and a few other wait… I don’t want to share too much. Come on out enjoy the show and expect to see all the elements to support the art of storytelling will pull you in for a night you won’t forget.

Ages 18+ For tickets and more information, visit empirestripsback.com VIP tickets featuring a post-show photo opportunity with a performer are also available.