By Rebecca Law
Battersea Barge, Nine Elms Lane, February 11, 2007

Walking down the grey and industrial Nine Elms Lane in Vauxhall, it comes as a welcome change of scenery to step onto the Battersea Barge, as into into a friendly boudoir. Last night it hosted a new – to be monthly – event: Femmes on the Thames – where, the creators assure us, women rule the waves.

Hosted by comedian and singer, Rosie Wilby, an exciting talent handling life’s complexities with acerbic wit, the night was packed with talent ranging from the sultry, dulcet tones of female singers to the buxom, bouncing beauty of the neo-burlesque artiste Ophelia Bitz.

Intended as a night of fun and empowerment — Femmes on the Thames even boasts its own cocktail, The Vauxhall Vamp, which comes suitably pink and orange, with bendy straw and paper Del-Boy umbrella — unrequited love generally seemed to be the order of the day.

Among the notable performances was that of post-punk poet and Fringe Festival regular, Sue Johns, who in Restoration gown took on her alter ego, The Royal Whore, and led us through the little-known tales of history’s mistresses.

Holly Penfield, jazz singer with a twist, has truly carved out a niche. She boasts Edith Piaf-style anguish as she belts out self-penned Weimar era-style numbers, then suddenly swings to poignant renditions of others’ oeuvres such as Bitch, by Meredith Brooks — and all while holding her audience captive with the power of a great stand-up comedienne.

Penfield’s comic cabaret style was complemented by the more fragile charms of the singer Lily Fraser, whose flowing locks provoked thoughts of Nick Cave. Accompanied by harp and cello, she Opheliaesque, sang wistfully of love and abandonment.

But the most memorable performance of the night came from the slap-stick, burlesque artist Ophelia Bitz, who exuded wit and character in her short performance. Renowned for her outlandish behaviour and riding under the banner “Dignity Has Nothing To Do With It”, her performance was toned down somewhat for the Femmes on the Thames audience and her dignity, this time, was maintained through her use of endearing heart-shaped patsies and a selection of hand-puppets.

First-night technical hitches and the odd organisational faux pas aside, Femmes on the Thames is a night of fun and frolics and looks set to become a genuine stage for showcasing young, female talent.

The next Femmes on the Thames takes place on March 15 and will feature Rosie Lugosi and Dana Immanuel. Bookings: 020 7498 0004.