Life is a cabaret for Balmain

The cheeky and much-loved ‘Not Quite Cabaret’, a night of wining, dining and definitely not refining, will return to Balmain’s Exchange Hotel for a second season beginning in early October.

After four years running, this season will present a combination of fresh performances and greatest hits from previous productions.

Deborah Bradshaw, the director and an actor in the show, said the success of the concept owes to its originality.

“It’s very different to anything else that is on offer,” she said. “The audience feel like it’s personal and they get involved – it makes them feel like it’s their night.

“It’s called ‘Not Quite Cabaret’ because there’s no singing, and no dancing. It consists of short funny plays and short funny sketches.”

There’s also, of course, lots of audience participation.

The loose plot line will centre around a farcical wedding, with two lucky crowd members playing the bride and groom. Volunteers won’t have to say anything but get to star in the show.

“We start off in a drunken, irreverent wedding,” Ms Bradshaw said. “It’s all the things you shouldn’t say or do at a real wedding.”

After that it’s anyone’s guess.

‘Not Quite Cabaret’ has gained notoriety in Balmain largely by word of mouth. Dubbed as a social and relaxing night out, it is also a throwback to the all-in-one entertainment ethos of yesteryear.

“‘Not Quite Cabaret’ has that lovely feel like in Hollywood times, where people could eat, drink and have some entertainment,” Ms Bradshaw said.

“In the ’40s and ’50s, people got dressed up for a night out but only went to one venue. That’s the feeling when you walk in – your whole night is set up for you.”

The profile of the production has been elevated through interaction on social media.

“Making people feel good is our social media strategy,” said social media manager Megan Wilkes.

Ms Bradshaw said she owes the show’s success to both the performers and the community.

“I’ve had so many women in Balmain come up to me and actually hug me at the end of the show,” she said. “Its got a great community feel to it because it’s laid back and in a beautiful venue.”

‘Not Quite Caberet’ kicks off its new season on October 3 at the Exchange Hotel in Balmain at 8pm. The production runs Thursday and Friday nights until November 8.