Cabaret and variety are experiencing a remarkable revival in the UK. What was once considered an old-fashioned form of entertainment has been reinvented by a new generation of performers who blend burlesque, comedy, circus, drag, music, and spectacle into shows that are unlike anything else in live entertainment. Whether you are looking for a glamorous night out, a raucous party, or a thought-provoking artistic experience, the UK cabaret scene has something for you.
What is cabaret and variety?
Cabaret is a form of entertainment featuring music, comedy, dance, and theatrical performance, typically presented in an intimate venue where the audience eats, drinks, and socialises. Variety shows feature a series of different acts, from comedians and singers to acrobats and magicians, compèred by a host who ties the evening together.
Modern cabaret in the UK encompasses an enormous range of styles. Neo-burlesque revives and reimagines the striptease traditions of the early twentieth century. Drag cabaret showcases the art of gender performance. Political cabaret uses humour and provocation to tackle social issues. Musical cabaret features singers performing in intimate settings with a directness and emotional intensity that larger venues cannot match.
The best cabaret venues in London
The Soho Theatre, Dean Street
The Soho Theatre's intimate spaces are a hub for cabaret in London. Its programme features the best cabaret artists from the UK and around the world, with shows running throughout the year. The venue's location in the heart of Soho adds to the atmosphere.
Underbelly Festival, Southbank
Each summer, the Underbelly Festival takes over a stretch of the South Bank with a programme of cabaret, circus, and comedy in temporary venues. The open-air bars and food stalls create a festival atmosphere, and the cabaret programme features a strong mix of established acts and rising stars.
Wilton's Music Hall, Whitechapel
Wilton's is the world's oldest surviving grand music hall, dating from 1859. The beautifully atmospheric space, with its peeling paint and faded grandeur, is a magnificent setting for cabaret and variety. The programme mixes music, theatre, cabaret, and cinema. Performing at Wilton's feels like stepping back in time while experiencing something entirely contemporary.
The Glory, Haggerston
The Glory is one of London's most important queer performance venues, hosting cabaret, drag, and live art in its upstairs performance space. The programming is eclectic and frequently boundary-pushing, showcasing artists who are redefining what cabaret can be.
Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel, Piccadilly
Crazy Coqs is an intimate cabaret room in the basement of Brasserie Zédel, a grand Parisian-style brasserie just off Piccadilly Circus. The room seats around 80 people and programmes musical cabaret from leading singers and performers. Combined with dinner at the brasserie, it makes for an excellent evening out at a reasonable price.
Cabaret and variety beyond London
The cabaret scene is thriving beyond the capital. Cities with strong cabaret cultures include:
- Brighton has a vibrant cabaret scene, with regular shows at venues like Komedia and the Spiegeltent during the Brighton Festival
- Edinburgh hosts outstanding cabaret during the Fringe Festival in August, and venues like the Gilded Balloon programme cabaret year-round
- Manchester has a growing cabaret scene, with shows at HOME, the Lowry, and various independent venues
- Bristol hosts cabaret at venues including the Wardrobe Theatre and during various festivals throughout the year
Touring variety shows and cabaret productions also visit theatres and arts centres across the UK. Keep an eye on your local venue's programme for visiting cabaret acts.
What to expect at a cabaret show
Cabaret is typically an evening entertainment, starting at 8pm or 9pm. Many venues serve food and drinks during the show, and the atmosphere is social and convivial. Dress codes vary: some shows encourage glamorous attire, others are completely casual. Check the event listing for guidance.
Expect audience interaction. Cabaret performers often address the audience directly, and compères may engage with front-row guests. If you prefer to observe rather than participate, sit a few rows back. The atmosphere at a good cabaret show is electric, combining the intimacy of a small venue with the energy of a party.
Ticket prices for cabaret range from around £10 for a smaller show to £30 to £50 for major productions. Many cabaret events offer table seating that can be booked in advance.
For more live entertainment ideas, explore our guide to comedy theatre and farce or browse the Tickts homepage for events near you. If you enjoy intimate performance, our guide to immersive theatre is also worth exploring.
Cabaret programmes change frequently and shows can sell out quickly. Check venue websites and social media for the latest listings.
