AustLit

'Shay Stafford takes us on an armchair ride of her life from Brisbane schoolgirl to celebrated Paris showgirl. Pulling back the curtain on the fascinating world of Paris cabaret, Shay invites us backstage at the Moulin Rouge and Lido to discover what it's really like to tread the boards of the world's most famous cabarets in the world's most romantic city.

Shay details the highs and lows, the loves and temptations and the close encounters with the rich and famous in this remarkable account of a most extraordinary life. In a publishing first, we are given a glimpse of the grind behind the glamour and learn that beyond its sparkling façade, not everything that glitters in the modern showgirl's life is gold.

The rich history of the Moulin Rouge and Lido is recounted as is the cautionary tale of how a stunning city's seedy underbelly routinely seduces vulnerable young ingénues. For, after twelve years at the Moulin Rouge and Lido, Shay has seen it all. Detailing her transformation from a single woman making the most of the extraordinary Parisienne nightlife to a happily married mother of two, Shay offers up a magical glimpse into another world from a down-to-earth and lovable Australian girl whose high kicks became the toast of Paris.' Source: www.curtisbrown.co.uk/ (Sighted 09/11/2010).