Last Updated on May 29, 2025
Uncorked: Cabaret with a Kick
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Once a soot-streaked junction of industry and ill-repute, King’s Cross has undergone the kind of glow-up that would make a West End drag act proud. The regeneration of this once derelict quarter has given rise to a glittering playground of culture, cuisine and creativity, with Granary Square now firmly at its heart. I found myself drawn to Lafayette, the sleek live music and nightlife venue tucked just behind Coal Drops Yard, to witness the debut of Sabrage – a cabaret and circus show as fizzing with theatrical flair as its namesake suggests. After all, what better way to toast King’s Cross’s renaissance than with a sabre to a bottle of champagne?
As a first-time visitor to Lafayette, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but stepping into the venue felt like discovering one of London’s best-kept secrets. For its debut cabaret and circus event, the space offers rare intimacy, with tables close to the action, curated food-and-drink packages, and a striking, industrial-chic backdrop. The real indulgence, though, is behind the velvet rope. VIP guests are whisked into Nola’s Bar, a hidden speakeasy oozing Roaring Twenties glamour. Plush, candlelit and buzzing with live music, it blends vintage elegance with the spirit of a house party. And once the final bow is taken, the night’s not over – you’re invited to mingle with the cast, cocktail in hand, as the magic lingers on.
Menier Chocolate Factory and Strut & Fret’s Sabrage is directed by award-winning artistic visionary Scott Maidment, known for his bold, immersive approach to live performance. The night opens with a high-octane dance extravaganza – bursting with tightly choreographed movement, playful teasing, and theatrical flair. The eight-strong cast, dripping in opulent, frou-frou cabaret costumes, wastes no time setting the tone for a night of pure, unfiltered entertainment.
Hosting duties fall to the electric double act of Rémi Martin (yes, really!) and Spencer Novich, who keep the evening flowing with a heady mix of joyful chaos and razor-sharp timing. It’s pure escapism: gloriously silly, irresistibly funny, and peppered with outrageous party tricks – from grape-catching feats to beatboxing with, yes, their nether regions. This is cheeky cabaret turned up to eleven, with no inhibitions and no rules, just revelry.
And don’t think for a moment that the audience is merely there to spectate – they’re an essential part of the show. From stage debuts to pillow fights and catching grapes or drops of champagne, everyone is invited to get involved. From the very beginning, you’re encouraged to shed your British reserve, let your hair down, and dive into the fun. Participation isn’t just welcomed – it’s gleefully demanded.
Sabrage unfolds in a whirlwind of comedy, jaw-dropping acrobatics, slick choreography, lip-syncing, and song. Powerful vocals from singer Rechelle captivate the crowd, while Christian Nimri’s skilful roller-skating routine and Emma Phillips’s remarkable feats – spinning parasols and wooden tables with her feet- leave everyone in awe. The talented duo Flynn Miller and Kimberley Bargenquast mesmerize with an erotic trapeze act that is sheer magic. And let’s not forget the fabulous all-rounder Skye Ladell, whose performances add an extra layer of sparkle to the evening.
As the evening progresses, the action only intensifies – Act 2 is a ball! There’s no missed beat as they expertly milk every moment. It’s pure, unadulterated fun; I found myself laughing out loud and truly feeling like I’d had a proper night out. Sabrage is running until July 6th, but whispers abound that it might get an extension, and after experiencing it, I can absolutely see why.
Lafayette
11 Goods Way,
King’s Cross,
London,
N1C 4DP
Runs until 6 July 2025
Age rating 16+
Tickets from £25
www.sabrageshow.co.uk
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