The music of Bowie by Sven Ratzke
This spring, hear the hits of David Bowie as you’ve never heard them before. International cabaret superstar Sven Ratzke is bringing his brand new show to London for three nights only.
Where Are We Now – Bowie Unravelled sees Ratzke showcasing his unique interpretations of Bowie tracks at the Crazy Coqs club with Live @ Zedel. Located in the same building as Brasserie Zedel and Bar Americain, Crazy Coqs is an intimate, vintage cabaret club which evokes the spirit of the 1930s and 1940s music scene.
Accompanied by pianist Christian Pabst, the show will feature Ratzke reinterpret Bowie’s hit songs with new arrangements. The cabaret star will use his special storytelling and improvisation talent to reveal a different side to tracks such as Heroes, Rock’n’Roll Suicide and Let’s Dance. You can also expect to hear new original material in the tradition of Bowie.
Ratzke’s new show comes three years after his previous critically-acclaimed Bowie production Starman was a huge hit on the festival circuit. He won Best Festival Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016 and it was nominated for the Helpmann Award in Australia. His most recent production Homme Fatale was critically praised when it was toured worldwide.
For a guide to what’s on in London in April, click here.
Black Cat: Bohemia opens at Underbelly Festival on 22 August
Coming to the Underbelly Festival Southbank for the end of the season is a tantalising and thrilling show. Combining cabaret, circus and performance in a dark and daring show from the Black Cat Cabaret. The company will be coming to the Spiegeltent to première their most ambitious show yet, Black Cat: Bohemia.
Opening on 22 August, the show will feature jaw-dropping acrobatics and toe-tapping music as the 12-strong troupe showcase their impressive skills. The production sees the smart and sexy cast bring the spirit of Bohemias past, from Montmartre to Weimar Berlin, from the Hotel Chelsea to the ’80s Blitz Kids, to the 21st century Southbank.
Among the dazzling performers will be flame-haired singer and host Miss Frisky (Frisky & Mannish); aerial daredevil Katharine Arnold; acrobatic duo Charlotte & Nicolas (Cirque du Soleil, Limbo); cyr wheel maestro Jo Moss; tumbler Leon Fagbemi (La Soirée); aerial feline LJ Marles; and burlesque goddess Missy Fatale.
For a guide to what else is on in London in August, click here.
Award-winning cabaret star Michael Griffiths brings his ‘Lucky: Songs By Kylie’ show to Live at Zedel
The songs of Kylie, Madonna and Cole Porter as you’ve never heard them before! Coming to London this summer is award-winning cabaret star Michael Griffiths. Following his sold-out performances at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room and this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the talented Aussie will be premiering his new show ‘Lucky: Songs by Kylie’ at Live at Zedel. From 30 August to 5 September, Michael will be performing ‘Lucky’, along with his two previously critically acclaimed shows, ‘In Vogue: Songs by Madonna’ and ‘Cole: Songs by Cole Porter’ at the intimate Crazy Coqs club.
His three shows are inspired by each artist, with songs and stories. Michael will showcase his Broadway voice while tinkling the ivories and regaling the audience with some classic tunes and funny anecdotes. Michael has already wowed audiences and critics across his native Australia, along with New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Auckland and the Edinburgh Fringe. Broadway Baby has hailed Michael as ‘obscenely talented’, while the Scotsman described his show as ‘a fittingly debonair tribute to an artist of grace and style’.
Crazy Coqs is an intimate vintage cabaret club in the Zédel building in Piccadilly. It serves a wide selection of drinks and small plates to fuel you while you’re entertained. The building encompasses Crazy Coqs, the Brasserie Zedel and Bar Américain, featuring the original Art Deco interiors designed by Oliver Percy Bernard in the 1930s.
For a guide to what else is on in London in August, click here.
Showgirls, acrobats, music and more as the Black Cat Cabaret pitches up at the Underbelly Festival this summer
Bringing a bit of sauce to this summer’s Underbelly Festival is The Black Cat Cabaret. The Parisian-inspired show will be at the pop-up venue on London’s South Bank from 20 May 2017 throughout the season.
The dark and daring cabaret extravaganza will be reviving the spirit of vintage Mortmartre at the Underbelly’s Spiegeltent. Guests will be wowed by the high-kicking showgirls, jaw-dropping acrobats, comic street singers, a fire-breathing siren and daredevil aerialists. Compered by the fabulous Dusty Limits, a talented array of performers will take to the stage, including absinthe-addled artistes, flame-haired courtesans and bittersweet comic chanteuses. Expect to be entertained with a combination of high skills circus, original music and choreography.
This summer marks the fourth year the Black Cat Cabaret have wowed the Underbelly (previously known as Udderbelly) crowd. This year’s run will feature the BCC’s original ‘after-hours Montmartre’ show for the first time since 2014. As well as Underbelly, the BCC have also appeared at a host of London’s top nightspots including Café de Paris, Hotel Café Royal, the Hippodrome Casino, and the former Pigalle Club. The show will also be pitching up at Live At Zédel in Piccadilly with their more intimate ‘Salon des Artistes’ dinner and show.
For a guide to what else is on in London in June, click here.
House Of Q (L-R: Illusionist Neil Kelso, showgirl Felicity Furore and singer Mercury)
© Tigz Rice Studios 2016
While it looks like a chic French brasserie from street level, Zedel in Piccadilly is actually a multi-function venue, offering entertainment, dining and drinking. I’ve been a fan of Bar Americain at Zedel since I first discovered it last year and have been charmed by the Art Deco interiors. Halfway downstairs to the basement level – which features Bar Americain and Brasserie Zedel’s main dining room – is an intimate little club called the Crazy Coqs.
Earlier this year, the venue launches its Live at Zedel series, comprising a series of talks, performance and other entertainment across Crazy Coqs and Brasserie Zedel. Last week, I was invited to check out the House Of Q – a cabaret and variety act at the Crazy Coqs. Stepping inside, the CC (as I’m calling it) is a cosy little nightspot with a vintage style, black and white interiors. Small tables, individual lighting and curved chairs face the intimate stage. The menu features a mix of wines, bubbles, cocktails and a few bar snacks, such as chips, deep fried prawns and pork belly if you’re feeling peckish.
House Of Q perform monthly at the Crazy Coqs with their unique mix of magic, burlesque and music. The ‘House’ is comprised of singer Mercury, showgirl Felicity Furore and illusionist Neil Kelso. Each of the three acts have their own distinct personalities and talents. Felicity is confident and sexy, Mercury is the host with the most, but isn’t afraid to show his vulnerable side, while Neil initially comes across as bashful, before his quirkiness and humour shines through. Despite the limited space and props, the trio move seamlessly from one different segment to the next. Being in such a venue, it’s no surprise to see there is some audience participation, with guests invited to take part in magic tricks. While, admittedly the acts are very different, there’s certainly something for everyone and it’s not just for your typical cabaret fans. On the night in question, there were many big groups of friends celebrating birthdays or Christmas. Mercury veered off a traditional cabaret songbook with his own musical offering about life as a barista – a witty and humorous take on life behind the counter catering to the whim of London’s demanding coffee drinkers. By the end of the show, we left feeling humoured, entertained and slightly tipsy thanks to their delicious cocktails. The House of Q are preparing a new show for 2017, so I definitely recommend checking them out.
For a guide to what else is on in London in December, click here.
The London Cabaret Club’s production London Never Dies is on at the Bloomsbury Ballroom
© London Cabaret Club
With the release of new James Bond film Spectre this week, everyone is talking about 007. So why not have your own super spy-inspired experience at a sexy and entertaining evening at London Cabaret Club?
The pop-up club will be setting up camp at London’s Art Deco Bloomsbury Ballroom ahead of their grand opening in the same venue next year. Every week, over the weekends of 30-31 October and 6-7 November, the talented cast will be bringing the glamour, mystery and excitement of Bond to life.
Watch the glamour and the excitement of 007 come to life at the London Cabaret Club
© London Cabaret Club
Having kicked off earlier this month, the LCC will be performing different shows every week based on a different Bond film. Diners will find their meals inspired by the exotic locations of each film. Guests can expect to be dazzled with fabulous costumes, original choreography, exclusive music and high production values as the dancers bring Bond to life.
Following a three or four-course dinner and the show, live DJs will take to the decks so you can shake a tailfeather until the early hours.
Evelina Girling, CEO and Co-Founder of the London Cabaret Club said: ‘To celebrate the James Bond fever that is soon to hit London, we are launching our Boutique Shows this Autumn, celebrating 50 years of British espionage presenting the show London Never Dies.’
Tickets start from £40 (Show only), £75 (Gold tickets, includes 3-course dinner and access to Rose Room Lounge), and £105 (Diamond tickets, includes VIP seating, 4-course dinner, theatrical cocktail and access to Rose Room Lounge).
For a guide to what else is on in London this month, click here.
Ready Steady Colour, an interactive theatre experience for families, is among the entertainment at the Spiegeltent in Canary Wharf this September
With its skyscraper offices and busy professionals, Canary Wharf is usually associated with work. However, this September, the area is getting a huge injection of fun in the form of a 11 day festival in The Spiegeltent. Pitching up at Canary Square Park, The Spiegeltent will host comedy, music, dance, cabaret, acrobatics, theatre for both adults and families.
Opening the festival is award-winning Las Vegas veteran Peggy Sued with a variety night, featuring Pete Firman, Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer, Rod Laver, Felipe Reyes and burlesque bombshell Sophia St Villier. There’ll be the unique blend of circus swing and burlesque folk of Gabby Young + Other Animals plus the Nest Collective House Ceilidh Band.
Aircraft Circus presents Boudoir Circus, a sexy mix of acrobatics and dance
© Dimitris Amvrazis
One of the Spiegeltent’s biggest acts will be Scotland’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning ‘half-man-half-Xbox’ Daniel Sloss, brining his Edinburgh Festival hit show Dark.
On 15 September, Alex Horne and The Horne Section will be getting the crowd laughing with their new barnstorming mix of stand-up and music. Turning circus on its head will be the Aircraft Circus presenting Boudoir Circus, a dark and sexy soiree with acrobatics and dance.
As well as performances, there will be workshops too so you can acquire new skills and entertain the children. Learn to dance with the London Academy Of Dance, create your own scrapbook with Shimelle and ice gingerbreads to perfection with Serena Montesissa. The kids will be able to burn off some energy at the Big Fish Little Fish and their Family Rave. Or get the children into comedy early at Comedy Club 4 Kids, with stand-up and sketch from Luke Toulson, Bec Hill and Howard Read. Other family entertainment includes musical workshops by Boppin Bunnies, Bach to Baby and Theatre of Widdershins performing their musical puppetry show The Elves and The Shoemaker.
Other acts performing over the festival include improvisation comedy champions BattleActs!, psychic siblings Twins Macabre, BBC Folk Club winners The Nest Collective, Nepalese band Night and impressionist, art-folk ensemble Firefly Burning.
During the festival, there will a bar providing refreshments while the many restaurants and bars of Canary Wharf will be moments away should you wish to eat.
For a guide to what else is on in London in September, click here.
Scotch & Soda headlines London Wonderground this summer
© Matilda Temperly
It’s nearly that time of year again – when the Southbank becomes a hotbed of international entertainment at pop-up venue London Wonderground. The festival will be returning to Jubilee Gardens for the fourth year in a row with its heady mix of circus, cabaret, booze, food and fairground rides.
Headlining this year’s entertainment is the critically-acclaimed production of Scotch & Soda. Imagine a group of friends get together and after a few drinks, decide to show off their party tricks. Jazz fusion group Ben Walsh’s Crusty Suitcase Band has teamed up with some of Australia’s top acrobats to create a boozy mix of cabaret and circus. With talented stars from previous productions such as Cantina, La Clique, Cirque and Tom Tom Crew, there will be gravity-defying tricks and beatnik soul galore.
Following hit runs in Sydney and Edinburgh, Wonderground marks the first time Scotch & Soda are coming to the capital. The production will run six nights a week from 14 May until early August, with Sunday matinees.
For a guide to what else is on in London this month, click here.
For Metro Girl’s post on a previous London Wonderground, click here.
Meow Meow: Feline Intimate runs at London Wonderground for just three weeks
© Harmony Nicholas for Boom Ents
This month, the brilliant London Wonderground returned to the Southbank for the third year in a row. As well as providing an opportunity to eat and drink alfresco and ride in the funfair, there is also the chance to enjoy a wide range of entertainment over the summer in the pop-up theatre.
One of the biggest draws this season is the fabulous post-post-modern showgirl MEOW MEOW, who is making her London Wonderground début with her dazzling show Feline Intimate. Following her hit West End shows, and a critically acclaimed season at the Southbank Centre, the crowd-surfing queen of song will be wowing the Wonderground for just three weeks only with her unique brand of kamikaze cabaret. Be ready for anything, from Brecht to Radiohead… and her own original material.
Just in time for Memoirs Of A Metro Girl’s 2nd anniversary this week, we have teamed up with Boom Ents to offer you and a friend the chance to win two pairs of tickets to see the sexy chanteuse in action. All you have to do is answer this question in the form below correctly to be in with a chance.
Wonderground returns to Jubilee Gardens
Q) Meow Meow starred in The Umbrella’s Of Cherbourg in London’s West End in March 2011. What theatre did the show play in?
A) The Apollo Theatre
B) The Shaftesbury Theatre
C) The Gielgud Theatre
Terms and conditions
Winners will be selected at random from all correct entries. Winner receives a pair of tickets see Meow Meow at the London Wondergound for any Monday – Friday performance. Over 18s only. Tickets to be collected at the box office with no cash alternative. Tickets are subject to availability and cannot be resold or transferred to another performance. Competition is run by boom ents.
This competition has now closed. Thanks to those who entered. Only the winner will be notified.
For Metro Girl’s blog on London Wonderground last year, click here.
Jun 28
This gallery contains 7 photos.
Following its inauguration last year (which I went to several times and enjoyed), I was thrilled to hear London Wonderground was returning to the Southbank for a second year. The Udderbelly Festival and London Wonderground stand in an enclosed garden in Jubilee Gardens full of bars, food stalls, seating and two venues of entertainment. While the Udderbelly […]
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 