Kabarett Alternative Variety Fringe Showcase @ The Voodoo Rooms

Some of the best things in life are free. For evidence, get down to the Voodoo Rooms for sevenish, squeeze into the Cabaret Room, settle down with a drink and get in some people watching. The local cabaret circuit has a regular clientele and it’s a treat to see properly, sexily dressed people out of an evening – and their air of knowing expectation just adds that little thrilling spice.

Ably compared by Dee Itsy (part feminist comic, part pal, part lion-tamer) the acts whizz through like a circus train at top speed. Examples might include Chassy VanKlaas and Sparky Strang in a War Of The Worlds Steampunk Burlesque (danger: corset stays at breaking point!); Scout Durwood still looking for a replacement guitarist/boyfriend; The 3 Gaga Heads’ Manga Body Tights Man Show – self explanatory, perhaps, but can best be compared to having a funny nightmare; a quick intro to Tricity Vogue’s brilliant show the The Blue Lady Sings, and a spot of burlesque from Wild Card Kitty.

All the artistes take a touchingly personal and friendly approach with the audience – OK, that's a lie with the New York dominatrix and the Japanese Techno-Art comedy troupe who probably don’t speak English – but the general point stands.

True, the acts don’t get nearly enough time to build a cabaret rapport – but it’s a great taster to the delights lying in wait...