Vive le Cabaret

After last year's collaboration with The Ministry of Burlesque, Blonde Ambition struck it out alone for The Pleasance's cabaret showcase. With a core cast and impressive guests, the move away from burlesque has paid dividends: Blonde Ambitions combination of a core cast and special guests balances the night between the spontaneity of the compilation shows and the consistent quality of the fixed nights.

The core cast - Des O'Connor, Mr B, Gypsy Charms, Kiki Kaboom, The Kitsch Kats -are all at the top of their respective games. O'Connor is a superb host: knowing, saucy, a one-man ukulele revival who adds stadium-sized gestures to a cheeky intimacy. Kiki Kaboom's chav routine is tearing up The Fringe, a tough character act that translates burlesque cliché into street rough slutiness.

The Scottish core members - Gypsy Charms and The Kats - are Caledonia's hottest hopes. Tom Kat's solo is a rare drag striptease, reversing from flapper to gentleman as he seeks an available toilet, he makes use of his musical theatre moves and a broad humour. Gypsy Charms has shaken up her Marlene turn. Aside from referencing Weimar cabaret, her confident audience interaction, lyrical performance skills, honed by training in dance and charismatic presence are combined in a sensual, witty number.

The guests are eclectic, from Robin Ince reading about death by crab, Circus Trick Tease bouncing off the ceiling and Miaow Miaow surfing across the audience to the bar. Egged on by O'Connor, the night ascends from spectacle to spectacular, each act sending the audience higher and more appreciative. Blonde Ambition in Ghillie Dhu are at the top of their game, getting the glamour, gathering great guests and achieving appropriate applause, affirmation and acclaim.