Cabaret, the new space at Caridff’s WMC is back for a new season.
With an intimate setup that fits approximately 120 people, every seat’s a good one. Fully accessible and gender neutral, this inclusive space labels no one.
Audiences will get a chance to enjoy the very best in drag, comedy, burlesque, live music, gig theatre and more. Cabaret brings you emerging and inclusive entertainment like nowhere else in Wales.
Following on from a successful opening season, there’s been some changes to make the Cabaret experience even better for everyone. Among the changes are:
- Doors now open an hour before each show, giving you more time to settle in
- You can now order from the bar when you first arrive. Switching to app ordering and table service shortly before the performance starts to keep the drinks flowing throughout the evening
- Cabaret stays open until 11.30pm after every show, so no need to hurry home!
All seating in the venue is unreserved, so it’s advised to arrive early if you’re looking for a front row seat. If you’re watching as a group, tables are available but go quickly, so if you want to guarantee seats together definitely plan ahead to arrive for doors opening. Seating is within touching distance of the stage (for audience and artists), and very comfortable for you to relax – unless you’ve caught the attention of the comedian on stage!
The bar space is futuristic in its looks and adventurous with its flavoured popcorn on offer. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What’s on
Here’s a taster of what’s coming up this season at Cabaret:
- Caba-Cray! With Crayola the Queen (7th October)
- Halloween Burlesque Fantasy (27th & 28th October)
- Big, Stupid, Queer comedy Quiz (5th November)
- Gallifrey Cabaret [inspired by Doctor Who] (10th November)
What you can expect
We nipped along to one of the opening shows of the new season at Cabaret, Tropicana.
Fresh from two very successful Edinburgh Fringe runs, we joined award-winning queer cabaret icon Aidan Sadler as they take you to Tropicana! With their first show in Wales at the fantastic space dedicated to all things Queer, Cabaret and emerging talent Aidan was given a very warm welcome.
Wearing an outfit reminiscent of Freddie Mercury mixed with Jasmine from Disney’s Aladdin, Aidan’s unique personality shone on the stage. They had not only a voice that most pop stars wish for (before auto-tune) but a sense of humour everyone regardless of background and sexual orientation can relate to as well.
Nothing is safe from ridicule, you’ll be led on an exploration of body image, heteronormativity and sometimes being a little bit gay even if only after a few drinks.
We experienced Aidan belting out some spectacular synth-pop, punctuated with world class stand-up comedy and they point out the perfect choreography in case you don’t notice.
Featuring electrifying hits from the 80’s including Spandau Ballet Gold, ABC The Look of Love, and you can’t mention the 80’s without a Queen song or two being included.
Audience participation in such an intimate venue is always key, and the audience certainly didn’t disappoint on this occasion. A duet of Don’t you want me Baby, and a rendition of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody are just a few times when the audience really showed their enjoyment. A shout out to Josh and his mustache as well as Fiona the aircraft engineer for being such good sports. (With names being spelt so many different ways in 21st Century apologies for any mistakes.)
I’m sure Aidan would be pleased to know that Tropicana’s debut in Wales, left a few members of the audience feeling just a little bit gay.
With a lineup that offers something for everyone’s taste, be sure to check out ticket availability here.
