Lisette Krol shakes up Irish tradition with WAKE

When Lisette Krol takes to the stage, gravity becomes an afterthought.

Muscles ripple, limbs soar, and for a moment, time bends to the will of one of the world’s most captivating pole artists.

But her latest project, WAKE, isn’t just about spectacle. It’s about celebration, community, and shaking up tradition with a glitter bomb of creativity.

Lisette Krol on WAKE

This week, WAKE lands at Manchester’s Factory International, and it promises to be unlike anything the city has seen before.

With a cast of 14 performers – from aerialists and tap dancers to spoken word artists and live musicians – the show is a euphoric remix of an Irish wake, combining ancient custom with bold, contemporary performance.

And at its centre is Lisette, a world champion pole dancer, winner of Virgin Media’s The Big Deal, and proud owner of her own pole studio, where she passes on her skills to a new generation of artists.

“It’s like an explosion of insane talent,” she tells I Love Manchester, still buzzing from the show’s award-winning runs in Dublin and London. “You’re going to go through all these different emotions in 90 minutes. WAKE is just the perfect, really fun night out.”

Lisette laughs when asked how her discipline fits into the concept of a traditional Irish wake. “It’s definitely very cultural and traditional to have a pole dancer at a wake in Ireland… No, it’s not!” she joked, her voice warm and self-deprecating.

THISISPOPBABY

“I remember thinking when I auditioned, ‘I don’t really know where I fit into this.’ But the team at THISISPOPBABY are so creative, and they made something beautiful. I feel lucky to be part of it.”

That blend of humour and humility runs through everything Lisette said. Despite her global success and growing list of accolades, there’s still a deep sense of gratitude that she gets to do what she loves every night — and now, on a stage in Manchester. “Oh my God, we are so excited,” she said. “It’s been a dream to take the show on tour. We’re like a little family behind the scenes, and bringing it here together is really special.”

Lisette’s history with Manchester runs deep. As a performer and teacher, she’s been in the city many times for pole events and workshops. “I’ve always loved the energy here,” she said.

WAKE is coming to Factory International

“There’s something about Manchester – it feels open, creative, up for anything.”

In WAKE, Lisette performs two standout routines – one of which is a jaw-dropping solo set to a custom score played live on stage. “Alma [Katsu], who created the music, built my song from scratch,” she explained.

“We added live violin, a singer… it’s incredible. Dancing with live music goes straight into your blood. It’s powerful.”

Her solo routine channels a darker energy – a striking contrast to the show’s more celebratory sections. “I can’t tell you exactly what my character is,” she teased. “But let’s say I represent darkness. It’s very empowering, very feminine, full of crazy leg work and drops. It’s everything I’ve wanted to bring to the stage.”

In addition to the solo, Lisette teams up with fellow aerialist Jenny for a fast-paced duet that sees the pair flying through the air in synchronised chaos.

“We’re on different apparatuses, moving at speed, and it’s just a blast,” she said. “But then we’re also part of group numbers – dancing, singing… okay, not the main singing. That’s left to the professionals!” she laughed.

The transition from solo performer to ensemble member has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the show. “In competitions or TV shows, it’s just me,” Lisette explained. “Here, I’m surrounded by this amazing cast. Even when I’m alone on stage, I feel them with me. It doesn’t feel like I’m performing for a pole audience – it feels like I’m part of something bigger. Something for everyone.”

It’s clear that WAKE is more than just a job for Lisette – it’s a dream realised. “Being part of a theatre company that really takes care of its cast, that wants to elevate all these acts… it’s the best feeling,” she said. “When I got the call saying I got the role, I was like, ‘I’m the luckiest girl in the world.’”

But it’s not just luck. Lisette is quick to offer advice to up-and-coming performers, and her message is clear: work hard, keep going, and don’t be afraid to start small. “Dedication is more important than talent sometimes,” she said. “You’ve got to put the hours in. Start with small shows, keep training, keep creating. If you stay consistent, it will happen.”

That mindset has taken her across the world – from competition stages to classrooms to cabarets – and now to the heart of one of the most dynamic theatre productions touring the UK today. But for Lisette, the goal has never been fame. It’s always been about connection – to her craft, her fellow artists, and the audiences who see her fly.

WAKE might be rooted in tradition, but it’s also a manifesto for living – a glitter-drenched reminder to seize joy, express yourself, and never take life too seriously. And with performers like Lisette Krol leading the charge, it’s sure to leave audiences feeling lighter, freer, and just a little more fabulous.