A burlesque performer has come up with a ‘bang tidy’ way of raising funds for the Telegraph & Argus Children’s Secret Santa Appeal.

Heidi Bang Tidy is bringing her cabaret-style show to the city for the first time on Friday and will be coming up with some entertaining ways of getting the audience to part with their cash.

Money made during the night will go towards the appeal, which is being run with the Bradford-based Human Relief Foundation to buy Christmas presents for as many of the district’s 37,000 youngsters living in poverty as possible.

The 37-year-old said: “We’re going to have a great night on Friday. It’s going to be lots of fun.

“We’ll be asking the audience to buy the appeal a drink at the bar, putting their money in a collection tin, there will be a raffle and a bit of audience participation on stage which involves emptying pockets for loose change!”

She hopes her Bang Tidy Does Bradford – Burlesque in the Basement shows in the Late Lounge at the New Playhouse, in Little Germany, will become a regular date. As well as burlesque, there will be magic, mind reading and a freak act involving surgical staples, said the performer, whose real name is Heidi Waddington.

She said: “What struck me about this appeal is it’s happening in Bradford for Bradford children. It’s keeping it local and with me putting on my first show in the city it all seemed to fit. I’ve got a daughter of my own as well and the thought of her not having any presents to open on Christmas morning would break my heart, so I’m really happy to be able to do something to help.”

The performer made her burlesque debut on stage 18 months ago. Until then she was promoting live comedy and theatre.

With a degree in performance art and a passion for watching other people’s burlesque shows, she started going to classes and has now come up with a “very British” routine of her own.

Tickets cost £5 in advance or £7 on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8.30pm.