The Phoenix Arts Club in Soho, London was the venue for Cheers for Cabaret. Founded in 1988, the Club has firmly established itself as a front-line leader of Cabaret productions. Indeed, a Friday night out in town should have character, charisma and charm, a power of three that the Phoenix Arts Club boasts in abundance.
Cheers for Cabaret represents a plethora of talents, including fire performances, burlesque and one's gullet capacity! The posters around the room illustrated all the stimulating productions that have made the West End the home of the UK's Theatre scene.
One should also be warned that collision avoidance is part of the audience remit. Such is the intimate setting, that the stage and your seat were virtually conjoined. Hence, the Drag Queen host of the evening informed attendees with explicitly dark humour as to which parts of the anatomy might be in danger if one doesn't shift their viewing position in the right direction! Seconds later, the Drag Queen was demonstrating how to appreciate a beverage with a burst of bubbles inhalation!
Naughty narratives were a perpetual theme, with the singing of innuendos pertaining to gargantuan features of one's figure. Audience engagement became the epitome of various acts, with couples of all ages and backgrounds being warmly welcomed and encouraged to get positively intoxicated!
As the show unfolded, the stage became a fire fairground where the scintillating pace of performers could be felt at arms length. Elsewhere, there were tenacious displays of looping through and around rings, and swirling along poles. Moreover, you get to witness the Stage Managers set up the paraphernalia prior to each act, to give a sensation of experiencing behind the scenes.
Sean Paul soundtracks and Jai Ho from Slum Dog Millionaire featured during the most sophisticated showboating. The most contrasting of acts was when a bar worker went from routinely taking orders to next minute being in full vocals behind the bar! The sudden 90 degrees rolling of eyes to focus on the unexpected subject of the performance was a testament to how Cabaret found its place on and off the stage!
The closing stages of the performance was the perfect gateway to continue the night, as the Pianist hurried into their rhythm to signal that those with partying legs could celebrate until 3 AM in true Soho Style.
To experience the variety, vocals and veracity of Cabaret, click here