Cabaret shows are an exhilarating and exciting way to spend any evening. Whether you are a Cabaret-addict or a Cabaret-virgin, they have something to keep everyone entertained. From contortionists to drag queens, Cabaret shows are as enticing as they are whimsical. There are thousands of high quality Cabaret evenings all over the world, but to help you narrow it down we have done the hard work for you and listed 5 of our favourite and most popular below.
The Moulin Rouge, Paris
Thanks to the popularity of the 2001 Baz Luhrmann movie of the same name, the Moulin Rouge is one of the best known Cabaret acts in the world. To watch the movie is one thing, but to see it performed live on stage in a room with hundreds of other eager guests, under the red glow of the hundreds of lights that adorn the stage, is something out of this world. Due to the popularity the tickets sell out fast and each show is guaranteed to be packed with Parisians and tourists alike. The Moulin Rouge keeps it's secrets close to it's heart and requires it's clients to keep the show a secret in order for the next patrons to be as shocked and awed as they were. We don't want to ruin the surprise either, but we can tell you that there will be sequin dresses galore, a lot of nipple tassels, and exotic dancers in headdresses that will leave you speechless. The show is extremely well done and not only are the dancers and acts some of the best in the world, but you can really see the high quality of the costumes and stage effects.
Le Scandal, New York
Le Scandal is one of New York's longest running cabaret shows, and in a city that never sleeps and demands new and exciting acts, this is a feat in itself. Not only does it offer a plethora of riské and entertaining acts, but it boasts a night of live music from their Le Scandal orchestra. La Scandal is submersive, it drags you in, and typical for New York includes celebrity names on it's list of performers. The celebrities include an America's Got Talent winner comedian acrobat, and an adorable comedian juggler just back from an MTV tour. They may not be the biggest named celebs, but they will leave a smile on your face none-the-less. From a sexy sword swallowing belly dancer, to a striptease trapeze artist, Le Scandal promises a night of scandalous fun that will leave you awed and shocked in equal measure.
Bar Jeder Vernuft, Berlin
For something a little bit different now we head over to Berlin, Germany. If you've never sat under a multi-mirrored circus-style tent while watching a musical comedy act spoken in harsh-sounding German, then you haven't really lived. The ceiling is adorned with 1000 mirrors which leaves you with the sense that you are inside the show, immersed in the glitz, glamour and hilarity of this nearly 100 year old entertainment venue. One thing Germany does well is drag queens, and Bar Jeder Vernuft is no exception. There is a performance nearly every night of the week and be sure to ask at the box office for one of the many shows in English if you don't speak German.
Hubba Hubba Review, San Francisco/Oakland
We head back to the U.S.A now and to the East Coast. The Hubba Review hosts one night a month in San Francisco, and smaller weekly Cabaret events at it's premises in Oakland. The shows start from a very reasonably priced $10 dollars and it makes our list on value for money alone. It has won many awards including best Cabaret act, best Burlesque show, and best Cabaret show. The scantily clad show girls are dressed head to foot in sparkles, from their shoes to their tiaras, and there is even something for the ladies with sexily-dessed male dancers. A night at the Hubba Hubba Revue promises a great time for all without breaking the bank.
Le Crazy Horse, Paris
Last but by no means least we head back over to Paris for arguably one of the most expensive but well known Cabaret shows in the world. Founded in 1951 by Alain Bernadin, an "avant-garde artist" who was a passionate admirer of women and the female form, Le Crazy Horse remains one of the best Cabarets to be found anywhere in the world. Tickets for this mythical-experience start at $100 dollars but you are still getting a lot of Burlesque for your buck. The show is full to the brim of sexy scanitly clad dancers who are as exotic as they are flexible. At Le Crazy Horse you will see nude dancers and real life magic, and sometimes a combination of both. From saucy Samba to sultry showgirl and everything in-between this show will make your eyes pop and your toes tap.
These are only five of the thousands of Cabaret shows that take place every week all over the world. There is no doubt that spending a night at the Cabaret is still as wondrous as it ever was. The shows are finding ever new and more exotic ways to leave us titillated in our seats and wanting more. The magic of the Cabaret takes us back to the wonderment of childhood, with the bright coloured costumes, the hilarious celebrity acts, and the death-defying gymnasts it's easy to see why Cabaret is so popular. So put on your most sparkly outfit and head down to your local Cabaret show, you wont be disappointed.