Home US I went to the Pleasure Boys wild male strip show that caused outrage in Belfast – the dancers’ acrobatics are good enough for Cirque du Soleil, but women just wanted to see their privates, says SAMANTHA REA

I went to the Pleasure Boys wild male strip show that caused outrage in Belfast – the dancers’ acrobatics are good enough for Cirque du Soleil, but women just wanted to see their privates, says SAMANTHA REA

by Jack
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Pictured: Two women enjoy a lap dance from a PleasureBoys performer during yesterday's show in Birmingham.

It was oiled abs and bouncing buttocks as male strippers The Pleasure Boys made their mark in Birmingham, on the latest stop of their XXL tour.

A week has passed since erotic dancers caused controversy in Belfast, after starring in scenes of a very sexual nature.

The videos spread like wildfire on social media, sparking massive debate about the extent of Belfast’s antics. Were the sexual acts simulated or real?

And did the audience really come on stage or were they egged on by sex-crazed strippers?

I watch a video clip on X, formerly Twitter, in which a naked man simulates having sex with a member of the public, while another is seen with his private parts alarmingly close to a woman’s face.

Pictured: Two women enjoy a lap dance from a PleasureBoys performer during yesterday's show in Birmingham.

Pictured: Two women enjoy a lap dance from a PleasureBoys performer during yesterday’s show in Birmingham.

Pictured: Femail reporter Samantha Rea went to the PleasureBoys show in Birmingham last night, after the performance in Belfast caused a stir on the internet.

Pictured: Femail reporter Samantha Rea went to the PleasureBoys show in Birmingham last night, after the performance in Belfast caused a stir on the internet.

Pictured: Femail reporter Samantha Rea went to the PleasureBoys show in Birmingham last night, after the performance in Belfast caused a stir on the internet.

The debauchery is soundtracked by Chubby Checker, who gleefully encourages everyone to take the turn. This makes the scene surreal. It’s disgusting, but strangely comical, like clowns pulling out their “parts.”

So it was with some trepidation that I arrived on Saturday night at the King of Clubs nightclub in Birmingham city center to see the Pleasure Boys in action.

I know I’m in the right place because a handful of women, dressed to go out, are lining up outside.

Only, the show was supposed to start at 7 pm, but it’s already half past and the shutters on the doors are still closed.

—Did you hear what happened in Belfast last week? I’m chatting with two women in line, who start the evening with cans of pre-mixed cocktails.

They replied: ‘Oh yes, it’s always like that!’

Despite the furrowed eyebrows in Belfast, these women seem quite happy and tell me they’ve seen the Pleasure Boys twice before. The antics in Northern Ireland were not unique.

There are only about ten of us outside, and with the shutters showing no sign of being open, there is debate over whether we should enter through a back entrance via an Indian restaurant around the corner.

Pictured: Two enthusiastic audience members were seen running their hands over the body of a naked dancer last night.

Pictured: Two enthusiastic audience members were seen running their hands over the body of a naked dancer last night.

Pictured: Two enthusiastic audience members were seen running their hands over the body of a naked dancer last night.

Another audience member enjoyed a private lap dance from one of the PleasureBoys.

Another audience member enjoyed a private lap dance from one of the PleasureBoys.

Another audience member enjoyed a private lap dance from one of the PleasureBoys.

In the end, little by little, we found a way in, turning the corner, through a kind of cafeteria that leads to the club.

At the bar I order a large glass of rose. A woman who is buying a bottle of something that deserves an ice bucket tells me: ‘Dutch courage! They’ll put you on stage!’

I say: ‘I hope not! If you do, drag me back!’ She laughs and tells me: ‘That’s what everyone says!’

I later see her sitting in a group with White Dee on Benefits Street and Celebrity Big Brother. I’m not too shy to ask for a selfie and White Dee gives me a lovely kiss on the cheek.

One of the first acts is a guy doing something with fire and gymnastics. It’s pretty impressive and could probably be in Cirque du Soleil.

Unfortunately, this is not the right audience, and a woman sitting near me makes it clear to him by shouting: ‘Get your p*** out! That’s what we paid for!’

The organizer of the wild male striptease show which caused a stir in Belfast after completely naked dancers simulated obscene acts with attendees (pictured) has said mobile phones will now be banned on future tour dates.

The organizer of the wild male striptease show which caused a stir in Belfast after completely naked dancers simulated obscene acts with attendees (pictured) has said mobile phones will now be banned on future tour dates.

The organizer of the wild male striptease show which caused a stir in Belfast after completely naked dancers simulated obscene acts with attendees (pictured) has said mobile phones will now be banned on future tour dates.

There are some rather striking sailor costumes reminiscent of Richard Gere in An Officer and a Gentleman and at times the choreography is spectacular.

At other times, when they struggle to get their pants down to their ankles, it’s like watching a tired Crossroads character getting ready for bed.

The strippers smear their torsos and private parts with lubricant and the scenes are obscene.

This PleasureBoys dancer is seen spinning on top of an audience member on the floor of the Birmingham venue.

This PleasureBoys dancer is seen spinning on top of an audience member on the floor of the Birmingham venue.

This PleasureBoys dancer is seen spinning on top of an audience member on the floor of the Birmingham venue.

Femail reporter Samantha Rea posed for a photo on the PleasureBoys throne after the performance ended.

Femail reporter Samantha Rea posed for a photo on the PleasureBoys throne after the performance ended.

Femail reporter Samantha Rea posed for a photo on the PleasureBoys throne after the performance ended.

In fact, the antics echo those I saw in video clips from last week’s show in Belfast.

There’s plenty of close-up crotch action, and reality star White Dee is one of the women who dares to get on the ground to get close to the Pleasure Boys.

Maybe I’m clutching my pearls unnecessarily, but only a hazmat suit and an astronaut helmet would calm my anxiety about coming into contact with his genitals.

I spend the night ready to scream: ‘I HAVE ALLERGIES!!!’ in case any of the boys get too close.

Pictured: PleasureBoys performers dressed as sailors during their show in Birmingham

Pictured: PleasureBoys performers dressed as sailors during their show in Birmingham.

Pictured: PleasureBoys performers dressed as sailors during their show in Birmingham

At the end of the night, while I’m having my photo taken on the photo op throne, I’m photobombed by stripper Cane, who I talk to before I leave.

He tells me that it’s a shame that people judge the Pleasure Boys by the clips on social media, and explains that he wishes there was more context, because boys aren’t just into sexual simulation in birthday suits.

Cane, a former Dreamboy who works in construction during the week, notes that the Pleasure Boys have great costumes and choreography and put a lot of effort into their routines.

He tells me he would be wary of touring Ireland again and blames religion for the protest. He seems like a nice guy and I have to respect the pride he takes in his work.

I’ve always had a hard time understanding the concept of male strippers. Having had my first experience, I can’t say I’ve changed my mind.

However, it was actually an amazing atmosphere and I loved the female camaraderie.

The women around me were having a great time and I’m happy to say it was contagious, so I had a great time too.

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