One shot of fun, two shots of sweetness and a whole lot of sexy; this Blonde Bombshell will tickle your tastebuds with her cute curves and cheeky smile…

Marilyn Mocktail has always loved to dance, and after joining the Bottoms Up Burlesque School in 2012 decided to take that passion to the stage. She debuted her first solo act at the iconic Burlesque Bar in 2013, and since then has been teasing her way onto the Melbourne scene through regular appearances at Club Voltaire, as well as performing in the world first Burleskathon – 24 Hours of Tease.

This year at The Zombie Prom Marilyn Mocktail takes on the role of Zombie Cheerleader for a very special act this Halloween at The Zombie Prom! We caught up with Ms Mocktail and asked her a few questions!

Burlesque is such an amazing and classic form of dance, it’s seen a resurgence since the days of Moulin Rouge the movie and other revivals of style. What attracted you to the performance art form? 

I love the fact that Burlesque allows you to be creative and unique; each piece has its own different story. I think it’s also very empowering, and as someone who grew up with self esteem issues I saw Burlesque as being an opportunity to overcome those issues and really embrace who I am.

Even though you have only started out, what would you say has been your favorite performance so far? 

Definitely the Burleskathon! A large number of Australian Burlesque performers, both new and established, all came together and put on a 24 hour non-stop burlesque show which officially made the Guinness World Records. I performed my “Fireman” routine 6 times between 8:30am and 12pm on a Sunday. It was a very unique experience to say the least, and had a great community feel to it.

Luckily Burlesque is constantly growing in popularity and so many events are coming up that include amazing Burlesque acts. Where would be your ultimate venue to perform?

I think performing in the Las Vegas Burlesque Hall of Fame would be an amazing experience! That would be a dream come true for me.

Zombie Cheerleader is a pretty weird request  (and a far cry from Las Vegas), what has been your weirdest or most unique character up until now?

In my most recent routine I play a 1920’s silent movie housewife who is mourning after finding out her husband has just left her. However as she begins to undress she embarks on a journey of self discovery which involves (literally) finding the colour in her life. I’m also in the process of working on a routine where I will play a Black Widow Spider which I’m very excited about!

A Black Widow Spider would be phenomenally creepy for some people! This year you are a Zombie Cheerleader, what do you think you would do among a room full of Unruly Zombies?

I would teach them how to dance without dropping limbs everywhere, and maybe give a few of them makeovers. Because rotting flesh is SO not in this season.

You can catch Marilyn Mocktail performing her amazing Zombie Routine ONE NIGHT ONLY at The Zombie Prom @ Lucky 13 Garage. Click here for the event page! And Book Tickets Here

The Goblin Marketplace is a space for many collectables and trinkets to grab at a special price. We have some amazing Goblin remains from Nightshade FX and some curios that you can only purchase on the night.

We also have vendors who are looking to share their wicked wares and maybe have you leave with a luxury item or two.

We caught up with Mary from Roseberry Bay soaps and asked her a few questions about what makes her magical trinkets so attractive! At a price range starting from $5 there is always the possibility you can leave with a trinket from the market.

How long have you been making soaps and why did you start?

I started making soaps about 5 years ago. I had always seen these beautiful creations at markets and only ever bought handcrafted soaps as I thought they were better than those that you could buy at the supermarket. One day I decided that, as I was creative and loved a challenge, I would give making my own soaps a go - and then I was hooked! I love the fact that I can say what ingredients go into each soap, that I can dictate how they look and how they smell.

Why did you decide to travel all the way to The Goblin Ball to sell your wares?

I decided to try my wares at the Goblin Ball as it seemed to me to be a unique marketplace which will be filled with creative and enthusiastic people. People who will understand my creative processes and appreciate the hard work and soul that goes into each soap I make.

Your soaps and lotions have an amazing blend of ingredients. What goes into such a delightful potion?

Any good soap should have a mix of good quality oils and butters. I don't use Palm Oil in any of my soaps as I care for the world I live in and don't think that it is a necessity. The majority of commercial soaps aren't in fact soaps at all! They, like shower gels, are detergents ... full of harsh chemicals and artificial components that aren't good for the environment or for our skins. I believe that we should only use the purest of ingredients on our largest organ (our skin) so most of my soaps are made using Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil and Cocoa, Shea or Macadamia Nut Butter. I also always add either fresh goats milk or coconut cream for luscious creamy lather.

You have such a large collection of magical soaps and goods, what is your favourite delight and what makes you inspired?

My absolute favourite soap for the Goblin Market is the Ember Rule soap. This is fragranced with Sweet Orange and Chilli Pepper fragrance oil which has a sweet and spicy bite which, to me encapsulates the two sides of the Goblin Realm. I also love the colours - yellow, orange, black and white to me speak of flames and heat.

The Goblin Ball is a weird and wonderful event with so many amazing guests. What are you looking forward to on the eve of The Goblin Ball?

The thing I am looking forward to most of all on the night, is seeing everyone in their amazing costumes. I was supposed to attend last year but had to pull out at the last moment as I was ill. The photos I've seen of the night drove home to me the dedication and passion that those attending have - and I'm excited to see everyone in the flesh.

With The Goblin Ball almost two weeks away we thought we would let you guys in on a few secrets! On the eve of The Goblin Ball, creatures and royalty will be traveling from distant lands to pursue plans and party the night away. A magical night is planned for even the most mortal of creatures.

So if you are planning a night of drunken revelry or a chance to meet some like minded magical mates, The Goblin Ball will be a night where you can explore and take advantage of all the mysterious areas of entertainment.

In The Beginning…
Once upon a time there was a distant land called Ember Rule. The Acolytes of the land were nervous as rumors quickly spread from afar. Was the Fire God dead at the hands of the Ice Princess? Could the dastardly deed executed in The Ice Kingdom mean their most admired leader was nothing more than ashes? What could this mean for Ember Rule and was there any chance that these rumors were nothing but false words spread to cause unrest? The arrival of Princess Pintina is eagerly awaited as questions need to be answered.

A busy marketplace welcomes you…
As you enter the world of Ember Rule, as either a guest or a self made character you will be ushered into the Goblin Marketplace filled with many traders awaiting to eagerly take your money in trade of exclusive goods. Will you choose to take home a potion or magical lotion, maybe a horror replica or new costume is more your style? Perhaps you would like a psychic reading? We have many vendors who are happy to facilitate the removal of cash from your pouch. Don’t forget to cloak your cape!

The story begins…
In the Grand Ballroom the clock strikes 8pm. Pintina is ushered in from The Ice Kingdom after traveling one human year on the road (100 years for goblin kind). She has had a lot to think about before the faces she most scariest creature known to goblin-kind. Her birth mother. The Goblin Ball is officially launched and the revelry will continue till the clock strikes the magical hour of midnight.

Bribes welcome!
Did you come prepared to swap a few goodies? You may find that fellow revelers would be more than happy to help with a few bribes. Feel free to look into what you may want to trade with fellow guests in this post. We find the sweeter the deal, the more favorable the outcome. Who doesn’t love to leave a party with a few trinkets?

A Quest is presented…
The Goblin Ball is in full swing but you wish to assist to show your alliance with a certain realm. In the Goblin Marketplace Quest Masters await your assistance. 

• Amak the guard of The Ice Kingdom is calling for the head of Princess Pintina for the evil she has caused his Royalty. If you would like to wage war at The Goblin Ball Amak can help make those intentions known. 
  
• Hasina Ember Rule’s own High Priestess would love your help with pardoning Pintina and showing great forgiveness. Seek her if your heart is true and compassionate. 
  
• Bodhisattva the seer from Starlantis is seeking psychics to help with acquiring objects of knowledge to help expose a dark secret. If you feel guided by your inherent powers to assist, see Bodhisattva for purpose.
  
• Maude the Poppet Peddler from Terra Bayou is a purveyor of fine keys. If you see yourself as a rogue thief, he could use your assistance. 
  

Every good deed is rewarded with a prize, but will you be valiant or dastardly in your choice?

I’m ready for my closeup.
A selection of 6 professional photographers will be wandering The Goblin Ball ready to take photos of you and your friends.  The hardest choice you will have is who will be bestowed the honor to take your photo and who you would like to be seen with on the evening. The Gods, Acolytes and Quest Masters will be more than happy to oblige you with a pose or two. Ellen Duffy Photography will also be located in The Goblin Marketplace offering a photo shoot experience for those who wish to capture the moment with friends.

Play the song of my people.
The Gods inferno is a DJ room taking requests for the evening of The Goblin ball between the end of the opening show till the wind down of the evening (approx. 8.15pm - 11pm). Light trinkets will be handed out by Acolytes to those who wish to party in the red room including glow bands and finger lights. In The Grand Ballroom from 7 - 11.30 Animata String Quartet will play string renditions of modern tracks including a selection of songs from the movie Labyrinth. What a great opportunity to grab your loved one and waltz “As The World Falls Down”.

Take a walk 
The Walk of The Gods calls those in amazing garb. From 8 till 10pm costume scouts will walk The Goblin Ball handing out tickets to parade for the Gods at 10 pm. If you are lucky enough to be awarded the opportunity seek The Ringmaster Darko or O at 9.30 for instruction on what to do in the main hall. The parade commences at 10pm so be organized early for you may be awarded the prestigious title of best dressed for 2014.

Marvel at Entertainment most amazing.
In the Grand Ballroom we have wandering magicians, jugglers and dancers who dazzle and perform for your entertainment. The style is close up entertainment and you may find your friends lucky enough to be audience to some of The Goblin Balls most magical entertainment. Lamplight Circus, Magicians from the Magic Festival and Shimmy Bliss will all make an appearance at this years Ball.

The Evening draws to a close
Commencing from 11.30 the evenings drama draws to a close and the story ends. You are now welcomed to join in the official dance of The Goblin Ball, “Dance Magic” with all who made it possible and dance to other favorite tracks from fantasy movies until the clock strikes midnight.

We can't wait to have you as guests to Melbourne's very own Goblin Ball. Much fun is to be had for those who seek to party but also for those who wish to play a character. 
Book Now to avoid disappointment 

In 2013 an friendship was formed between a fantasy company and a well established Horror Company. Through countless Pizzas and an undying love for all that is Labyrinth, Nightshade FX from Wicked of Oz studios and Dark Realm formed a tight bond to bring The Goblin Ball 2013 to life. 

Transporting a movie set designed for trolls to the Regal Ballroom in Northcote, Nightshade FX helped bring the first annual Goblin Ball to life. This year they bring their amazing curios to Northcote Town Hall to take place as featured Vendor for The Goblin Ball 2014.

We caught up with them to see what we could expect this year!

How did you get started in the horror prop industry?

I blame Michael Jackson, Stan Winston, George Lucas and Wes Craven. I grew up loving music which naturally lead me to Michael Jackson who dominated the 80's. I had the VHS of "Thriller", ya know, the one with the full short film and the making of at the end of it. I wore the tape out! I used to play it over and over and over, driving my mother insane. Something about those zombies man, they were just so pure, so perfect. Then came Nightmare on Elm street, I remember riding home from school and hiring horror VHS's and watching them before my parents got home from work then hiding them. Mum hated me watching them but hey, here I am right? 

Ive always been a creative kid, drawing zombies and vampires and dinosaurs, building cardboard costumes, or prop weapons which naturally lead to makeup and fx. After I met my future wife, things started to snowball when she had the opportunity to work on Troll Bridge (in its 11th year of production funnily), with director and our now best friend Daniel Knight. 

He is the main reason for everything to be honest. He trusted me straight up with handling gore on his short films. We made several films with him which lead to more contacts, more zombies, more films, then I met Justin Dix who gave me a chance to sink or swim on Red Hill, then I was hired for 100 Bloody Acres and The Babadook. Last year I started making human skull replicas cast from the real thing, then it just took off and now were swimming in them!

What was your favourite movie to work on and what were some of the highlights?

I'd have to say Troll Bridge and 100 bloody acres for totally different reasons. I got to go to New Zealand with all of my best friends in some pretty crazy locations from Lord of the Rings, with a Barbarian on a talking horse. Nothing can really compare to that sort of experience. On 100 bloody acres, shredding up a full silicone human replica, complete with muscles, veins, skeleton etc into a woodchipper with one of your favourite artists (Justin Dix) was unforgettable but the true highlight was honestly cruising to Adelaide with him. We were in the middle of nowhere talking about Star Wars (Justin made R2 and 3PO) when all of a sudden "DALE STOP!!!! STORMTROOPER!!!!" I s++t you not there was a Storm trooper in the middle of the desert walking so we stopped and got a photo with the guy. Life man, seriously!

What was the weirdest thing you have made?

I'd have to say a body covered in stab wounds that had to squirt like a fountain. Yup!

The thought of working horror freaks out some people. Have you had any scary experiences on the job?

Honestly when your life revolves around dead bodies, skulls, the occult, and the supernatural, not much scares me. If you really want to know, the general public scare me!

What can we expect at the Goblin Ball 2014?

I guess you'll just have to wait, though you can be sure, it'll be weird

A HUGE Thank you and shout out to Nightshade FX who have shown so much support with bringing The Goblin Ball to life.

If you would like to attend The Goblin Ball make sure you buy your tickets here!