CABARET CONFIDENTIAL: UNTOLD STORIES FROM BACKSTAGE

Ah, cabaret! The word alone conjures images of sultry performers, dazzling costumes, and an atmosphere so electric, it could light up the London Eye. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind those velvet curtains? What secrets lurk in the dressing rooms and under the stage? Well, darling, you’re in for a treat. Welcome to the exclusive world of Cabaret Behind the Scenes, where we spill the tea, or should I say, champagne, on all the backstage cabaret tales you’ve been dying to hear.

The Glitz, The Glamour, The Grit

Let’s kick things off with a little-known fact: the glamour you see on stage at Proud Cabaret is just the tip of the sequined iceberg. Beneath the surface, there’s a whirlwind of activity that most audience members never get to see. From last-minute costume fixes to pre-show rituals, the backstage is a world unto itself.

The Quick Change Olympics

Imagine this: you’re at Proud Embankment, our flagship venue, and you’re watching an incredible burlesque performance. The performer exits the stage, and not two minutes later, she’s back in an entirely different, equally stunning outfit. How does that happen? Welcome to the Quick Change Olympics, a backstage cabaret tale that’s as frantic as it is fascinating.

Performers have mere moments to switch costumes, often with the help of a dedicated “dresser.” Zippers get stuck, sequins go flying, but the show must go on. And it does, flawlessly, thanks to the unsung heroes backstage.

The Pre-Show Rituals

Before stepping into the limelight, many performers have their quirky pre-show rituals. One of our award-winning drag artists, for instance, always eats a spoonful of honey to soothe the vocal cords. Another performer does a quick yoga session right there in the dressing room to get into the zone. These are the little backstage stories cabaret artists rarely share, but they’re essential to making each performance magical.

The Stage Manager

The stage manager, usually dressed in black to go unnoticed, is the lifeblood of the show. More often than not, the stage manager is working with brand new performers, knowing little about them, their act, and what they will need. The stage manager must learn quickly, take extensive notes, and often memorize performers’ act to ensure they place the stage prop in the perfect place at the perfect time, catch a bedazzled bra flying through the air, and even ensure fire sticks are fuelled and set on stage to be ignited and set ablaze at the perfect cue of a song. The stage managers are the unsung heroes that ensure the smooth running of a show. As well as ensuring the most important element of all. That the performers receive their pre-show rider of champagne.

The Show Must Go On When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Ah, live theatre, the realm of unpredictability! Even with the most meticulous planning, things can go awry. But what sets a Proud Cabaret show apart is how brilliantly these hiccups are handled. Remember, you’re watching some of the UK’s most seasoned performers. They’ve seen it all, from wardrobe malfunctions to missed cues, and they know how to turn a mishap into an unforgettable moment.

The After-Party: Where the Real Magic Happens

Think the fun ends when the curtain falls? Think again! After the show, the performers often mingle with the audience, offering a rare chance for some one-on-one time. Want to know more about what you’ve just witnessed? Check out What’s On for upcoming events and Burlesque Shows At Proud to dive deeper into this mesmerizing world.

The Final Bow

So there you have it, a sneak peek into the exclusive cabaret insights that make Proud Cabaret a name synonymous with decadence and top-tier performance. From the frantic pace of quick changes to the secret codes that keep the show running, the world behind the curtain is as fascinating as the one in front of it.

As Alex Proud himself says, “Leave your inhibitions at the door, and let us amaze you.” And amaze you we will, not just with the spectacle you see on stage, but with the untold cabaret stories that make each performance a unique, unforgettable experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, put on your finest attire, and prepare to be amazed by a night at Proud Cabaret you’ll never forget. Cheers, darlings! 🥂