Hooting and Hollering: A beginner’s guide to Montreal’s burlesque scene

Deep in the underbelly of St-Laurent’s nightlife scene lies the Wiggle Room—Montreal’s iconic burlesque club. Founded in 2013 by Jeremy Hechtman, the man who produced the annual Fringe Festival and opened the Mainline Theatre—the club is somewhat well-hidden behind a large black door. Only a small label on the mailbox and a bright orange pinup sign indicate what lies beyond the venue’s exterior. Upstairs, however, the Wiggle Room makes up for its subtle first impression—flaunting red velvet curtains, a classy-kitsch décor, and an impressively stocked cocktail bar. Every week, several burlesque shows with novel themes, ranging from Batman to Stephen King to Gwen Stefani, are performed on the Wiggle’s stage in front of boisterous crowds.