What makes a good cabaret?
Cabaret has been delighting audiences since it was first conceived in Paris in 1881. As an entertainment form it defies definition, including a wide range of acts from songs and storytelling to dance numbers, standup comedy and variety performances. What sets cabaret apart is its atmosphere and intimacy; the casual setting creates a connection with the audience that makes acts feel more personal. In celebration of the Sabrage theatre show, which is currently delighting London audiences, we take a look at the essential elements that make up a good cabaret.
1. An engaging host
Hosting is one of a cabaret show’s most important elements. The host ties the whole night together, interacting with audience members, telling jokes and singing. Expert hosting is about warming the room up without being intimidating and creating a sense of fun while keeping the show on track. It requires control, creativity and often an element of the outlandish, making a strong impact without detracting from the other performances.
2. Connection
Cabaret is all about connection, so it’s essential to establish and maintain a sense of intimacy throughout the show. Making eye contact with audience members, telling personal stories and leaving the stage to move between the tables are all ways that hosts and performers build a connection with their audience. This makes for a memorable show that feels tailored to the people in the room, ensuring they feel seen and involved.
3. Sparkling performances
A good cabaret show will really wow the audience, impressing them with first-class acts performed by skilled artists. Whether it’s great comedy, energetic choreography or soaring vocals, the performances in the very best shows are slick and polished. Of course, sometimes things don’t always go to plan, so professional performers are also able to style out any mishaps. Variety is key with performances too. If an audience has to sit through similar acts for a couple of hours they quickly start to get bored and distracted. Good cabarets keep the pace of the show moving steadily and include a range of different performance styles.
4. A killer backstage team
While the cast is working hard to captivate the audience and make their night special, there’s a team of people behind the scenes making sure everything goes to plan. Sound and light technicians are a vital part of creating the perfect atmosphere, starting the music on cue and lighting the performers properly. Stagehands may also be moving props and set pieces around or assembling aerial rigging. When all these aspects of the show are executed with speed, confidence and precision, it makes everything flow seamlessly.
Cabaret in London
Lafayette in King’s Cross is currently hosting Sabrage, a unique blend of cabaret and circus acts. Showcasing world class performers, it delivers a heady mix of French glamour, high-end spectacle and cheeky humour. The Sabrage show is running until 6 July 2025 and is the perfect night out for anyone looking for a laugh and a gasp. Book your tickets today with KX Tickets.
