The Force Is Flirtatious: A 5-Star Night with The Empire Strips Back at Riverside Studios

Last night (May the 4th - Star Wars Day) I was transported to a galaxy not so far away-just down the Piccadilly Line to Hammersmith, in fact-where The Empire Strips Back is lighting up Riverside Studios with a glittery lightsaber of cheeky humour, fabulous costumes and some seriously impressive shimmying. And yes, I’m giving it five sparkly stars because I haven’t smiled that much in ages.

Let me start by saying: this is not your typical parody. Apart from Pete the compere's interludes, there's no dialogue or singing, but the storytelling through movement is both clear and captivating. Each act is meticulously choreographed, blending humour, sensuality, and a deep appreciation for the source material. What it is, though, is a hilarious, joyfully silly, and unexpectedly heartwarming string of Star Wars-inspired burlesque dances. If you’re here expecting full frontal or sleaze-nope, this isn’t that. This is a celebration of camp, confidence, choreography, and just the right amount of glittery thong. It's teasing, not sleazing.

Now let’s talk about Pete the compere. What a star. With energy as electric as a lightsaber duel and a knowing wink that had the audience instantly on side, Pete sets the tone right from the start. He had us roaring with laughter as he scanned the crowd for Star Wars tattoos (turns out there’s no shortage in Hammersmith), and gave us some classic one-liners while gently teasing a man dressed as Wookiee, we spotted a Jedi Knight in the audience too —yes, really. You couldn’t make it up. His effortless audience banter is worth the ticket alone.

Getting the show off to a cracking start - the quality of the costumes & props was outstanding

The performers? Out of this world. The scene was set from the first act to appear when one the dancers rode in on the Tauntaun. Yes, that Tauntaun from The Empire Strikes Back. The routine is pure campy brilliance, playfully nodding to that moment with Han and Luke in the snow, complete with dramatic fake “gutting” gestures, and just the right amount of pelvic thrusting. It’s silly, surreal, and utterly joyful—exactly the sort of unexpected treat that makes this show such a riot.

One of the absolute highlights for me was Darth Vader—reimagined here as a dominatrix (with the best legs I've seen in a long time). She absolutely owned that stage, her silhouette as sharp as her command of the Force.

Princess Leia and Jabba the Hutt - whoever was inside that, did a great job!

Another standout moment was the recreation of Princess Leia’s infamous scene with Jabba the Hutt. But this version? Pure theatre. The costume and prop design throughout the show is astonishingly clever—playful, sexy, and bursting with detail. From inflatable Millennium Falcons to a disco Death Star, nothing is done by halves. I wasn't expecting this to be as professional as it was.

Then there’s the Emperor. I won’t spoil it entirely, but let’s just say the body suit is as unexpected as it is side-splittingly funny. It’s that perfect mix of satire and burlesque that had the whole audience howling.

And let’s not forget the boys—Han Solo and Chewbacca who brought the house down with their duo. Part buddy-comedy, part sizzling dance routine, they were a true highlight.

Musically, the show is a smorgasbord. From De Antwoord’s chaotic brilliance in “Enter the Ninja” to old-school favourites like “Rapper’s Delight” and crowd-pleasers like “Welcome to the Jungle,” the soundtrack is as delightfully unhinged as the concept. Somehow it all works.

Stormstoopers as you've never seen them before

The Empire Strips Back is currently running at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, just a short walk from the tube. It’s on until 17 August 2025, with shows Tuesday to Thursday at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 4pm and 7pm. The show lasts about two hours including a short interval.

Tickets start from £29, and you can book directly at theempirestripsback.com/london.

Whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan, a burlesque devotee, or just someone looking for a brilliantly bonkers night out with friends, The Empire Strips Back delivers. Think sass. Think sequins. Think stormtroopers who can dance. You’ll never look at the Death Star the same way again.

May the Force be with you.