A woman has risked it all to bring a production from New York City to the Brighton Fringe.

Fiona Fletcher quit her job, remortgaged her flat and took out a personal loan to put on Le Scandal - a burlesque extravaganza - at the Udderbelly in the Old Steine.

The 33-year-old set up her own production company Fletch Productions to produce, manage and promote the show in the UK and Europe and its debut performance was in Brighton last night.

Mrs Fletcher, of Cromwell Road, Hove, said: "It's pretty scary risking everything but there is something about the show which makes me have no doubt that it will go down a storm."

The former television production manager became aware of Le Scandal while filming in New York for a television show called I'll Try Anything Once in November.

Le Scandal is in its eight year in the city at The Cutting Room, which is owned by Sex and the City actor Chris Noth and is visited by stars including Drew Barrymore and Demi Moore.

Mrs Fletcher said: "I was so impressed with the entertainment that when I got back to the UK I starting thinking it would be a good show to bring here.

"I wanted to give people here a piece of what I saw in New York.

"I contacted its producer, Bonnie Dunn, and said I'd be willing to take a risk and bring it over."

The turning point for the show came when it was given a run at the Udderbelly.

Mrs Fletcher said: "I realised then I had a big job on my hands and would need to find some money.

"I took a personal loan to get started and then tried to get some sponsorship.

"But I realised I hadn't really given myself enough time so I made the decision to remortgage my flat.

"It also dawned on me that if I wasn't working on it full-time it wouldn't be done properly, so I gave up my job.

"I've spent the last four months being pretty scared about the risks but my husband Darren has been really supportive."

Mrs Fletcher will manage and produce the show in the UK and Europe for two years and hopes to find sponsorship for it.

She said: "I've picked some of the absolute best performers on the New York scene and I feel as though we are on the cusp of something big."

Le Scandal runs from May 5 to 18, with a matinee show on May 17 at 2.45pm which is suitable for those aged 12 and over.

The May 14 show will begin at 9pm and all other shows begin at 10.30pm and are suitable for anyone aged 18 and over.

Tickets prices £15 and £13 concessions are available from the Udderbelly box office in Old Steine Lawns or the Brighton Dome box office on 01273 709709.