285 quid for a limited edition Twilight: New Moon soundtrack vinyl, signed by composer: utterly reasonable. Cho Chang Replica 10 inch wooden wand: where, when and how many per purchase? Sequel featuring none of the original cast and set in an alternate universe is rumoured: shit lost and tweets fired. When you’re part of a fandom, it doesn’t matter what spin-off gets trotted out, what crap merch gets flogged or “inspired-by” work is on the cards, you’re interested with every fibre of your heart and geeky soul.

I was scrolling through some David Lynch fan site the other day and came across a burlesque group dedicated to turning the auteur’s work into a very different medium, involving a lot of sequins, flesh and dancing. Obviously, I was delighted. Since the anniversary of Laura Palmer’s death 2011, The Pink Room (like the Red Room, yeah?) have been bringing Lynchian performance to New York’s burlesque-loving crowds.

Led by the fabulous Francine “The Lurid Dream”, who performs in and produces the pieces, the group have covered everything from Blue Velvet, Wild At Heart and Dune to Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead and Inland Empire. It takes a lot to get your head around any of those prospects – none so much as Twin Peaks. On the poster of their reimagining of the cult TV show, which they’re currently touring, the Log Lady was on it next to a topless Josie Packer clutching furs. I had to speak to the woman behind this.

Did you re-watch the show lots beforehand?

Francine “The Lucid Dream”: I had watched the shows many times because when I was growing up we use to have what we called “Twin Peaks Fests” in our parents homes – serving coffee, donuts, cherry pie and binge watching before binge watching was a thing. Everytime I gear up for a show, I use it as an excuse to watch it some more. I can’t count the times I’ve seen all of TwinPeaks but what I love about the show is that it is so multi-layered and I notice new details about it even to this day.

Were you worried die-hard fans would be put off by your interpretation?

Francine “The Lucid Dream”: I’ve never been worried about that. Part of Lynch’s work is the mystery and with that our own interpretations of “reality” in this world of Twin Peaks and beyond. We are just becoming another part of its expanded universe. 

Okay, so tell me a little bit more about what the show is like? Does it follow a Twin Peaks narrative? 

Francine “The Lucid Dream”: We have a narrative the same way Lynch has a narrative – it’s often non-linear. I like to choose acts that make for a balanced show – some are funny, some are sexy and some are definitely creepy. I think that’s what makes Twin Peaks such a successful show and it seems to work for us too.

How did you put those together the fabulous costumes? 

Francine “The Lucid Dream”: The costumes are inspired by Lynch but like everything else we put our own spin on things. My Dune costume, for instance, was inspired by Lady Jessica from the film but with burlesque elements to it including corsetry, fabric that moves well, rhinestones, a fun, shimmy outfit underneath & other dramatic elements. I made my Donna Hayward costume and it was inspired by the outfit she wore when she was trying to look and act like Laura but the lingerie underneath is covered in orchids to represent her relationship with Harold Smith. All the performers in the show come up with their own costumes, concept, choreography etc. One of my favourite acts is by Nasty Canasta who pays tribute to Club Silencio in Mulholland Drive. Her costume does not reflect a specific character or anything you specifically see in MD but one can imagine she is some sort of illuminated spirit that trembles amongst souls in that film. I also have a Blue Velvet act that could be described as “classic burlesque” but the blue velvet robe and the feel of it is 100% inspired by the film.

You’ve got quite a few of the characters in there. There's even the log lady (RIP).

Francine “The Lucid Dream”: Amelia Bareparts has been The Pink Room’s Log Lady since our very first show – she is so talented and a huge part of this show. She was the first person to encourage me to produce the show as she had the same exact idea before I even mentioned it. We were both very sad to hear about Catherine Coulson’s passing. I heard through the grapevine that Catherine had heard about our show and Amelia’s Log Lady act which puts a smile on my face. 

What do you want people to take from it?

Francine “The Lucid Dream”: I simply want people to have fun, enjoy the darkness, feel good about themselves and make new friends at our shows – hopefully friends who are also Lynch fans! I want people to feel like they’ve been transported up to The Pink Room north of the border – well, a much safer one where they know how they got home the next day!

What cult show do you want to tackle next? Will you deviate from Lynch’s work?

Francine “The Lucid Dream”: I’m already planning an X-Files themed burlesque show at Joe’s Pub in NYC on Dec 19th! X-Files was always my companion obsession along with Twin Peaks. A TP fan recommended it to me and I was hooked – I feel that there is a huge crossover audience for both shows so I think The Pink Room audiences will love it!