The Secret Cabaret is Back! 

If you haven’t heard of The Secret Cabaret then you’re in for a treat.  Since 2017 Bristol has been treated to monthly installments of show-stopping hits sung by incredible performers. 

Although halted by lockdown, they didn't let that get them down, as soon as they were able they bounced back into Bambalan. Here they held a one-off evening of entertainment in the rooftop bar last summer. For anyone who was lucky enough to attend, it was a magical evening full of amazing live performances in a year starved of theatre.

Now, it’s back!  This time they’ll be taking over the main bar, with more space and a ceiling, there’s no fear of being rained on - and, most importantly, it’s closer to the bar! The bar sports a Mediterranean vibe, so we can live our best lives and pretend we’re on a Greek Island Mamma Mia style - the closest thing to a holiday I might get! 

So what makes these events so special? I spoke with producer Peter Cottell who said:

 “You get lots and lots of intimate musical theatre performances, which are of a ridiculously high standard. Even in non-covid times, there's a steady stream of people looking to perform at The Secret Cabaret. 

For performers - many of whom will be back touring in the next few months - it's great to be so close and for everything to be so stripped back and raw (the performers are accompanied by a piano and that's it). Similarly, for our audiences, it's really close and intimate, which adds to your enjoyment of emotional and funny musical numbers.” 

I can vouch for this. f you’re a fan of your musical theatre then expect a few classics, a few obscure songs (for the hardcore fans), rounded off with a couple of great ensemble numbers. 

Each month the team dedicates one of their three acts to a theme, with this Sunday’s theme being Disney. Don't go expecting the obvious hits though, part of the fun is that the brilliant performers choose the lesser-known songs, which makes it all the more exciting.

So what is the secret of The Secret Cabaret? I asked Peter to shed some light on the matter:  

“We have big plans for The Secret Cabaret. At its old home in the Piano Bar at the Bristol Hippodrome, you got a great show and in a location that felt right for performances. However, it never really felt 'secret'. We really like the idea of the venue changing each show - both to existing performance venues but also to places you wouldn't dream of hosting a cabaret night.  

Not knowing where the next venue might be until that show's tickets go on sale will add a little frisson of excitement, but also give punters a chance to visit new, interesting venues. We do have a couple of surprising venues lined up, but naturally, I couldn't possibly tell you about them.” 

I can’t wait to see what spaces they have in mind for future events, no matter where they are you’re guaranteed a great night out. This Sunday it's no secret, they’ll be performing at Bambalan - cocktails on the roof, anyone? Doors will open at 6.45 pm and the show starts at 7.30 pm, I hope to see you there! 

For tickets and more information simply follow this link: The Secret Cabaret 

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Written By Laura Pick

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