Cabaret acts and shows for hire – a quick guide
14/02/2023
The outstanding ‘Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club’ has won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards including ‘Best Musical Revival’. This incredible West End success means cabaret is the party and event theme of the moment. As a result, our cabaret acts and shows for hire in the London, Brighton and South East area are busier than ever.
But what is a cabaret? Where did cabaret acts and shows come from? Here, is a quick guide to give you help and inspiration with booking your Cabaret-themed event.
Understanding Cabaret Acts and Shows
What is Cabaret?
The word Cabaret originates from the name of restaurants that served alcohol and hosted short entertainment. With cabaret acts like music or magic. Cabaret originated in France in the 19th Century. The first famous club was Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat) in 1881. As a result of the growing popularity of Cabaret, Le Chat Noir had to move to a larger venue. Closely followed by the opening of the Moulin Rouge which still exists today
The shows were famous for being bohemian theatrical variety experiences advertising thrilling, daring acts. Risqué cabaret dancers. Above all, they booked the most outrageous cabaret acts and shows for hire. Forever outdoing their competitors.
What is Weimar Cabaret?
Weimar cabaret inspired the current stage show, Broadway musical and 1972 hit film ‘Cabaret’. Featuring an iconic performance by Liza Minnelli.
Weimar Berlin was a socialist enclave that was in chaos after the first world war. The population was young and new ideas were evolving about expression in the arts, gender, sexuality, and money. Therefore these ideas were brought to life on the cabaret stage where Berliners flocked to see the wild representation of their difficult, changing times.
In 1933 the Nazis outlawed any kind of political satire putting cabaret artists at risk. After that, it was no longer safe to disagree with those in power or to be Gay or Jewish. Many artists and composers fled to Paris however, joining the flourishing cabaret scene there.
The Most Decadent Cabaret Shows Ever!
One of the most famous nightlife venues in Berlin was the Residenz-Casino. It had a capacity for 1000 people and often booked international stars and outrageous cabaret dancers. It had a huge dancefloor, and not only that, an indoor merry-go-round, and a multicoloured fountain with ceilings made of glittering mirrors. There were table telephones enabling you to ring other patrons. Pneumatic tubes propelled secret notes to other tables. In addition, you could propel gifts from a very extensive ‘house menu’ of items, including controlled substances. Decadent times indeed!
Modern Cabaret Acts and Shows for Hire
Now you know the background of cabaret acts, it’s time to unleash the glamour and create your own event.
Modern cabaret acts and shows still evoke vintage decadence and an underground feel. Cabaret shows are a mix of short acts of variety, cirque, cabaret dancers, comedy, drag, Burlesque, Boylesque and musical performance. All tied together by a singing master of ceremonies acting as your cabaret host. Many cabaret performers also incorporate costumes, props, and special effects into their acts. Making them a visually stunning and entertaining experience for the audience.
There is a casual, informal atmosphere with cocktail drinking very much encouraged. There’s often lighthearted interaction between the performers on stage and the audience. The dress code can be smart casual. But if guests are celebrating something special and decide to break out the sequins and feathers, that is encouraged too.
Cabaret Acts for Hire London, Brighton and the South East
We have a vast array of cabaret performers for hire. Any kind of act can feature in a cabaret, and of course, the more unusual the better.
Circus Acts
Circus acts like hula hoop tricks and stunts, fire swallowing and body burning. Acrobatics, hand balancing, contortion, juggling, and aerial hoop or silks routines.
Danger and Freak Show Acts
Feats of danger or freak shows like sword swallowing, bed of nails or ladder of swords – don’t try this at home!
Cabaret Singers
From Ratpack lounge singers to jazz, swing, and big band. Broadway musical maestros or modern pop mashups. A powerhouse singer can, for instance, leave the stage to walk around the audience with a cordless microphone for that authentic cabaret feel.
Drag Queens and Drag Kings
Outrageous Drag Queens and Kings. Stand-up comedians are incredibly popular and not only that, they always raise the roof.
Magicians for Hire
Vintage magic with glamorous assistants or modern magic. And likewise, interactive mindreading and illusion shows.
Cabaret Dancers, Burlesque Dancers, Showgirls and More
Big feather and glitter showgirl dance routines, roller skate performers, fire and glowing LED dancers. And of course, Tantalising stripteases from Burlesque dancers and Boylesque dancers.
Choosing the Right Cabaret Acts or Shows for Hire at your Event
When choosing a cabaret act or show for your event, it is essential to consider the type of event and the audience you are looking to entertain. If you are hosting a corporate event, for example, you may want to choose a more elegant and sophisticated cabaret act. Whereas if you are hosting a private party, you may prefer a more lively and high-energy cabaret show.
How to Book the Best Venue for a Cabaret-Themed Event
If your venue can provide table service for drinks and an area for dancing after the show it will undoubtedly create the right atmosphere. Cabaret seating arrangements are like dinner seating arrangements. With the difference that your guests are seated around the dancefloor, in a semi-circle facing towards the stage performance area. Therefore, there is a clear line of sight for all audience members.
If your venue already has a vintage look that will be a bonus for Cabaret acts. If not, you can ask if you can have it professionally decorated with some fire-retardant drapes and props. You’ll need a good quality P.A. and light system with an operator or house lighting that can at least be dimmed. A changing area for performers close to the stage. In addition, you’ll need a willing assistant to set up and remove props. And similarly, clear the stage of discarded feather boas and evening gloves, and much more, from your glamorous Burlesque dancers!
Our Ready-Made Cabaret Acts and Shows for Hire London, Brighton and the South East area.
To make your life easy Electric Cabaret Company have readymade cabaret acts and shows for you to book for any size or duration. In addition, we provide all the staffing you need and will mix and match cabaret performers to your specifications. Choosing a singing, comedy host that suits your audience perfectly. Not only that, we take care of all your technical requirements. Don’t worry, we stage-manage your whole event with our expert cabaret event production services too.
Take your event to the next level with our captivating cabaret performances. Browse a selection of just some of our many cabaret dancers and acts on our gallery page and book the perfect cabaret show today.