THE memory of a 1930s showgirl is the inspiration behind a burlesque show being staged at the theatre where she once treaded the boards.

As a young woman in the 1930s and 1940s, Zelda James made a name for herself as a dancer and pin-up model, performing with the Black and White Minstrel show and with the world famous Folies Bergere cabaret.

According to family legend, she was from London but made an unexpected appearance at Darlington’s Majestic Theatre in the 1940s after her bus broke down en-route to Scotland.

In exchange for a place to stay, she offered to stage an impromptu show at the art deco venue, which recently reopened as a theatre after being refurbished.

When told of the revamp, her granddaughter – who had heard the tale repeatedly as a child – became desperate to put a show on there in honour of the woman who had inspired her own career.

Darlington woman Tobi James is a burlesque performer who teaches the art and stages shows across the region.

She said: “My grandmother was the centre of my world and nothing got past her – she would never sugar coat anything.

“She was quite fierce in what she did and how she lived and she used to tell me that I could do and be anything I wanted to be.

“My Nannie inspired me to get into dance and I heard a lot about her performance at the Majestic growing up - as soon as I heard that it was being refurbished, I had to go there.

“I was lucky enough to be shown around and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to put on a show.

“It’s taken about two years to organise but it's all coming together and we’ve got performers who have been on stages all over the world.

“This is the biggest thing I’ve done and I am terrified but looking forward to it – if someone has not been to a burlesque show before, they should make it their first. They will leave feeling as though they've made new friends."

The Big Burlesque Show will be staged at the Majestic Theatre in Darlington from 7pm on Friday, July 21.

It will feature performances from Tobi James, Sir Midnight Blues, Velma Von Bon Bon, Aurora Galore and Raven Noir.

The Kitty Katz and Tomz, the troupe taught by Ms James, will also take to the stage.