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.
Official poster of the musical Cabaret at the KitKat Club, showing  one the performers wearing a golden velvet dress and looking at the camera.
Delve into 1930s Germany with Cabaret at the KitKat Club, an extravagant performance at the Playhouse Theatre. Image courtesy of SEE Tickets.

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. Drag Comedy Cabaret at Queen of Hoxton

Fancy a laugh? Get ready to be in stiches as the iconic BBC New Comedy Award-shortlisted drag comedian Lady Bushra brings you a comedy night like no other. Played by Amir, Lady Bushra is a bad girl from Bradford, famous for her viral digital content and one-liners. Catch her Drag Comedy Cabaret show at trendy Queen of Hoxton in Hackney.

Book tickets to catch a Drag Comedy Cabaret show at Queen of Hoxton now.

3. All-Stars Burlesque at Bush Hall

Coming to London after sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, this new All-Stars Burlesque show pushes the boundaries of striptease one step further. Head to historic Bush Hall to enjoy a celebration of bodies, tradition and inclusivity by award-winning, world-class artists and rising stars on the burlesque scene.

Book tickets to see All-Stars Burlesque now.

4. London Cabaret Club

Acrobats on stage at London Cabaret Club in London.

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.

5. Soho Theatre

Soho Theatre has three areas for cabaret and other shows, including the studio space Soho Upstairs and the main theatre. Head below the streets of Soho to Soho 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.

6. 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.

7. Proud Cabaret

Live performance at Proud Cabaret in London.

Travel back in time to the roaring 1920s at Proud Cabaret. 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.   

8. 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. 

9. 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.

10. The Glory

A group of people wait for a cabaret show to start at The Glory club in London.

Catch a cabaret show at The Glory, one of the best LGBTQ+ venues in east London. Watch performers take to the stage every night for lively cabaret, drag shows, quiz nights and club nights.

11. 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. 

12. 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. 

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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