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12 best cabaret and burlesque shows in London

Catch an exciting burlesque or cabaret show in London with this guide to the capital’s thriving cabaret scene.
Promotional poster for the musical Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, showing a member of the cast with pink hair tied back in the style of the 1930s, posing next to the name of the show in bold gold letters.
See Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and immerse yourself in the underground scene of 1930s Berlin as acrobats and contortionists take to the stage. Credit: London Theatre Direct. Image courtesy of London Theatre Direct.

Discover the best venues to see cabaret performances and burlesque dancing acts in London and enjoy a night out at one of these extravagant cabaret venues and clubs.

1. Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Travel back to 1930s Berlin with Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, a must-see immersive theatre experience held within the Playhouse Theatre. This electrifying and decadent show – widely acclaimed for its spectacular decor and performances – is London’s hottest ticket, having won seven Olivier awards, including best musical revival.

Book tickets to see Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club now.

2. Burlesque The Musical at the Savoy Theatre

Promotional artwork for Burlesque features the title in bold, bright pink letters against a black background, with a striking feminine figure wearing a glittering black hat and pink lipstick.

Don’t miss the long-awaited stage adaptation of the 2010 film Burlesque, landing in London’s West End this summer for a limited run at the Savoy Theatre. Brought to the stage with Christina Aguilera as executive producer, this new musical promises to be dazzling.

Book tickets now to see Burlesque The Musical at the Savoy Theatre this summer.

3. Kiki Drag Cabaret at Queen of Hoxton

Fancy a laugh and a fabulous drag show? Get ready for a comedy night like no other with the Kiki Drag Cabaret show, hosted by iconic queen of camp Ms Ginger Phlappage. See some of the most talented and fierce drag performers, ready to entertain you with epic lip-syncs, jaw-dropping death drops, hilarious comedy and incredible acts, every Saturday night at trendy Queen of Hoxton in Hackney.

4. Proud Cabaret

Travel back in time to the roaring 1920s at Proud Cabaret in the City. Upgraded tickets include a meal with the live show. Expect cabaret takes on classic films and beloved musicals, special circus and vaudeville nights, and occasional DJ sets. Proud Cabaret also has a London venue in Embankment.

5. Sabrage Cabaret and Circus Show at Lafayette

An acrobatic couple perform on a ring and the woman is hanging from it and her partner is holding her around her waist.

Step into the immersive world of Sabrage for a mesmerising evening of cabaret, burlesque and circus performances. See a spectacular show at Lafayette in London's King's Cross, with incredibly talented artists and a touch of vintage French glamour for good measure.

Book your tickets for Sabrage at Lafayette now.

6. Soho Theatre

Soho Theatre has three areas for cabaret and other shows, including the studio space Soho Theatre Upstairs and the main theatre. Head below the streets of Soho to Soho Theatre Downstairs for some of the best talent in the British cabaret scene and stand-up comedy. Check the events calendar for award-winning performances and experimental acts from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

7. CellarDoor

Venture down the stairs of this converted Victorian toilet in Aldwych to find CellarDoor. Enjoy live acts on stage every night of the week, from swing music and cabaret to sassy burlesque and drag shows.

8. The London Cabaret Club

Woman in sequin dress dancing and singing on stage, with a man in black costume dancing behind her at the dimly lit London Cabaret Club.

Savour a night of dinner and dance performances with an exciting cabaret show at The London Cabaret Club. Shows have seasonal and cultural themes, and they feature impressive dance performances, stunts, beloved hits and spectacular staging.

9. Royal Vauxhall Tavern

Legendary Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been pulling the crowds for decades with its renowned entertainment, spanning cabaret to LGBTQ+ parties and comedy. The venue helped launch Lily Savage and Julian Clary, and hosts regular Sunday cabaret sessions, popular club nights and drag competitions.

10. Battersea Barge

Step aboard Battersea Barge, an events boat docked on the south side of the river Thames, and get ready for an unusual night out in London. Showcasing a bar and an upper deck space that's perfect for summer evenings, Battersea Barge hosts cabaret shows as well as first-class comedy and live music.

11. Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club

With sensational performances, Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is the place to go for cabaret shows in London. Themes include musician tributes and performance fundraisers for LGBTQ+ organisations.

12. Phoenix Arts Club

Pick any night of the week to see cabaret and burlesque at the Phoenix Arts Club. This venue below the Phoenix Theatre in Soho puts on a regular Saturday Supershow of cabaret, plus drag karaoke, comedy and stunt performers.

Find even more ideas for a great night out in London, from the top London clubs to the best things to do on the Night Tube.

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