London doesn’t just have musicals and plays-it’s got rooms where the lights dim, the music swells, and the unexpected happens. Cabaret and variety shows here aren’t just performances; they’re experiences that mix laughter, danger, glamour, and raw talent all in one night. If you’re looking for something that feels alive, unpredictable, and totally unlike a standard theatre outing, you’re in the right place.
The Alchemist at the Alhambra
Step into a 1920s-inspired speakeasy beneath Leicester Square, and you’ll find The Alchemist-a cabaret that blends magic, burlesque, and live jazz like a well-mixed cocktail. The show runs nightly, and every performance is different. One night, you might watch a contortionist slide through a hoop made of fire; the next, a comedian impersonates a drunk British lord arguing with a talking parrot. The venue itself is tiny, seating just 80 people, so you’re never more than three rows from the action. Tickets sell out fast, and there’s no dress code, but most people show up in vintage gear or bold outfits. It’s not just a show-it’s a party where you’re invited to be part of the act.
La Clique at the Hippodrome Casino
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when circus performers, drag queens, and acrobats crash a late-night party in a 1930s casino, La Clique is your answer. This long-running show has been a staple of London’s nightlife since 2008 and still draws crowds from all over the world. The acts change every few months, but you can always expect jaw-dropping stunts: a woman swinging upside down from a trapeze while singing opera, a man juggling flaming bowling pins, or a comedian who turns a vacuum cleaner into a musical instrument. The Hippodrome’s grand, gilded interior adds to the old-world charm. Bring cash for the bar-they don’t take cards during the show, and the cocktails are half the fun.
The Peculiar Cabaret at the Vortex Jazz Club
For something darker, weirder, and more intimate, head to The Peculiar Cabaret in Dalston. This isn’t your grandma’s variety show. Think surreal comedy, spoken word poetry set to jazz, and a magician who makes your watch disappear-then returns it with a note written in your own handwriting. The venue is a converted jazz club with red velvet seats and low lighting. Shows start at 9:30 PM, and there’s no intermission. You’ll leave wondering if what you saw was real or just a dream. It’s not for everyone, but if you love offbeat art and live performances that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into someone’s secret world, this is it.
Boys in the Band at the Soho Theatre
This isn’t traditional cabaret-but it’s one of the most talked-about variety shows in London right now. Boys in the Band is a queer-led revue that mixes drag, stand-up, dance, and live music into a high-energy celebration of identity and humor. The cast changes monthly, but you’ll always get at least three standout performers: a drag king who sings Britney Spears while doing handstands, a trans comedian who roasts the audience with love, and a dancer who turns a chair into a ballet prop. The Soho Theatre’s small stage makes every glance, whisper, and stumble feel personal. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s the kind of show that leaves you cheering even if you didn’t know you needed it.
The Windmill Theatre: Where History Meets Hustle
Opened in 1932, The Windmill Theatre is the oldest continuously running theatre in London. It’s famous for one thing: being the only place in Britain where nudity was legal during WWII because the performers were “moving statues.” Today, it’s a cabaret house that honors that legacy with a mix of classic burlesque, modern satire, and live comedy. The shows are short-just 60 minutes-but packed with energy. You’ll see performers in feathered headdresses, vintage corsets, and glittering bodysuits, all while a live band plays swing and jazz standards. The crowd is a mix of tourists, locals, and older patrons who remember when the Windmill was the only place in town to see anything like this. It’s nostalgic, cheeky, and oddly comforting.
What Makes a Great Cabaret Show in London?
Not all variety shows are created equal. The best ones in London share a few things:
- Intimacy-You’re close enough to see sweat on the performer’s brow, hear the catch in their voice, or catch their smirk when they break character.
- Unpredictability-If you know exactly what’s coming, it’s not cabaret. The magic is in the surprise: a sudden dance number, a prop that explodes, a guest appearance by a famous drag queen.
- Authenticity-The best acts feel real. They’re not polished for TV. They’re messy, bold, and sometimes awkward. That’s what makes them unforgettable.
- Music-Live bands are non-negotiable. Pre-recorded tracks kill the vibe. Look for shows with a pianist, sax player, or drummer right on stage.
Avoid shows that feel like a themed dinner party with a few acts tacked on. True cabaret doesn’t serve you food-it serves you feeling.
When to Go and How to Book
Most cabaret shows run Tuesday through Sunday, with weekend shows starting at 8 PM or 9 PM. Weeknights are quieter and often cheaper. If you want the best seats, book at least two weeks ahead. Some venues, like The Alchemist and La Clique, let you pick your seat online. Others, like The Peculiar Cabaret, assign seating on arrival-so show up 20 minutes early.
Tickets range from £25 for smaller venues to £65 for premium seats at the Hippodrome. Some places offer drink packages-worth it if you plan to order cocktails. No hidden fees, no rush-hour surcharges. Just pay, sit, and get ready to be amazed.
What to Wear
There’s no strict dress code, but people dress up. Think: cocktail dress, sharp blazer, vintage hat, bold lipstick. You don’t need to go full glitter, but showing up in jeans and a hoodie might make you feel out of place. Most people treat it like a night out-not a concert, not a play, but something in between. Dress like you’re going to a party where you might end up dancing with the performer.
Where to Eat Before or After
Most cabaret venues are in Soho, Leicester Square, or Dalston-all areas with great food nearby. Try El Vino in Soho for classic British pub snacks and old-school wine. In Dalston, Wahaca serves killer tacos and margaritas. If you’re heading to the Hippodrome, The Ivy Soho is a short walk away and perfect for a pre-show cocktail. Skip the theatre district chain restaurants-they’re overpriced and bland.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Watch-Participate
Cabaret isn’t passive. The performers look at you. They’ll ask you a question. They might hand you a prop. Don’t hide. Smile. Say yes if they ask you up. Even if you’re shy, that moment-when you’re part of the show-is what people remember years later. It’s not about being funny or cool. It’s about being present.
Are cabaret shows in London suitable for children?
Most cabaret shows in London are for adults only. Many include risqué humor, nudity, or strong language. The Alchemist, La Clique, and The Windmill all have a 18+ policy. The Peculiar Cabaret and Boys in the Band are also strictly for adults. If you’re looking for family-friendly variety, check out the London Palladium’s Christmas shows or the Royal Albert Hall’s family matinees.
How long do cabaret shows last?
Most cabaret shows run between 60 and 90 minutes, with no intermission. The Windmill and The Peculiar Cabaret are usually 60 minutes. La Clique and The Alchemist run closer to 80 minutes. Always check the show’s website for exact timing-some include a short bar break, others don’t.
Can I take photos or videos during the show?
No. Most venues strictly ban phones during performances. Flash photography and recording can distract performers and ruin the experience for others. Many shows start with a reminder to turn off your phone. Some venues, like The Alchemist, even have phone lockers at the entrance. If you want a memory, buy the official photo or video package offered after the show.
Is there a difference between cabaret and burlesque?
Yes. Burlesque is a subset of cabaret focused on striptease and tease, often with comedy and glamour. Cabaret is broader-it includes magic, music, acrobatics, clowning, and spoken word. A burlesque show might be all about the tease. A cabaret show might have five acts: a singer, a juggler, a ventriloquist, a dancer, and a comedian. Most London venues mix both.
What’s the best night to go for a first-time visitor?
Friday or Saturday night gives you the full energy of the crowd, but it’s also the most expensive and hardest to book. For your first time, try a Wednesday or Thursday. The vibe is still great, the crowd is more relaxed, and you’ll likely get better seats. Plus, you’ll save money and avoid the rush.
Are there any free cabaret shows in London?
Rarely. True cabaret is a live, professional art form that costs money to produce. You might find free variety acts at festivals like the Camden Fringe or Southbank Centre’s summer events, but those are one-offs. For a full, polished show with live music and professional performers, expect to pay. The value is in the experience-not the price tag.
Next Steps
Start by picking one show that sounds most like you. Not the most famous one. Not the one with the biggest posters. The one that makes you feel something-curiosity, excitement, nostalgia. Book it. Wear something you love. Go early. Sit close. And don’t be afraid to laugh out loud-even if you don’t get the joke. That’s the point.
London’s cabaret scene isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. And the best thing you can bring to the show? You.