Proud Cabaret Embankment
Acrobatics, Burlesque & Cabaret Waterloo Bridge, 8 Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2AB £20.00 - £110.00 per person
My best friend had recently got some Burlesque lessons as one of her birthday presents and I’ve been dying to see a good cabaret and Burlesque show after a frightfully bad experience at the London Burlesque Festival last year. So, after a quick google search, I came across Proud Cabaret Embankment: a show which promised “sophistication” and “the finest aerial, fire and burlesque show in London”.
Prices and packages vary, due to the time of year and popularity of events. When I booked, there was a package which included an entry cocktail, three course meal, and access to the club afterwards for £80 per person. However, when I checked back today, these prices seem to have gone up: £20.00 for the show on mezzanine level, £40.00 for a Bento Box, show and a cocktail on our mezzanine level, £90.00 for the ‘Standard’ Ticket which includes an Arrival Cocktail, 3 Courses, Show, and then new addition ‘Premium’ for £110.00, including an Arrival Cocktail, 3 courses, and Premium Seating for the show.
The above prices are pretty damn exspenny per person, so it is definitely worth having a ganders on the old google for any deal which may be available. Miraculously, after a bit of scrolling I came across a ‘Wowcher’ deal (that place with the annoying adverts). However, less annoyingly, this particular deal whacked 50% off! Meaning that the price for a 3-course dinner, cocktail and show was in the end much easier to swallow. I booked over the phone, and specifically stated that I wanted a seat downstairs, in amongst the action. I was then obviously disappointed when we were shown upstairs, despite us having our own booth and this actually being a really good view. After some complaining on our end, we were shown to a possible alternative table downstairs (one which had no view at all), so decided to go back to our upstairs booth, with our tails between our legs.
The food is comprised of a Thai menu, which I was surprised about. I opted for the Beef Tataki with Ponzu Dressing, followed by the Steamed Sea Bass with Stir-Fried vegetables, whilst Asta went for the Vegetable Gyoza, followed by the Massaman Curry. She finished with a Dark Chocolate Parfait, whilst I went for the selection of Sorbet. Whilst the Beef Ponzu was nice, the Seabass was pretty average, and the sorbet actually tasted quite weird and not sharp at all – I therefore wouldn’t be convinced by the “fine dining” they promise on the advertisement. Drinks are also very expensive – with cocktails £14 a pop, and the cheapest bottle of wine £30. What’s more, the entry ‘cocktail’ you get is either a vodka and cranberry or rum and ginger beer.
Just as the voucher saved my wallet, the entertainment saved the evening. We were first introduced to a sensual dance couple, followed by a soulful singer “Chastity” who was to be out host for the evening. Acts were then broken up and spread throughout the evening and included an amazing aerial dancer, an incredibly strong and flexible woman who put on a stunningly elegant performance and a couple of burlesque beauties: one of whom could also breathe fire. Along with these expected acts, us girls were also given the treat of a stripping gladiator and cock-sure cowboy. Granted, these male acts were infinitely less sophisticated than the women, but it added an element of fun and silliness to the evening, which was well received by the audience members (even the older men at the front).
Despite the mess up at the start and the mediocre grub we had a really enjoyable evening. The acts were good quality and utterly professional, and the night went be quickly despite being 4 ½ hours long. The venue itself is large and feels grand whilst still feeling inclusive. The audience was a totally mixed bag of ages, with a 20-year-old birthday group and number of tiddly looking 50-year old’s sat on side by side tables – there was even an appearance from this year’s Love Island’s Megan, who I managed to corner before she left to get a cheeky snap. Despite having access to the clubs ‘afterparty’ we didn’t stick around, as honestly it wasn’t really our scene, and instead head back to Clapham for one more nightcap. I would recommend the performance for anyone keen to see some quality acts in a fancy feeling location but would say that it probably only feels worth it if you can get a cheeky discount.
OVERALL RATING: ****
http://proudcabaretembankment.com/
