Outrageous new UK theatre show ‘Sabrage’ that made my face hurt from laughter – even the A-List crowd gave it an ovation
WHEN your cheeks ache from laughing at the end of a show, you know you’ve had fun.
I felt hugely disappointed that the fun was over, when the curtain fell on the final act of the new show at Lafayette in London’s Kings Cross, on the night I visited.
The brainchild of Madonna collaborator Scott Maidment, the show takes place in a tiny theatre with an eight-strong cast.
It features raunchy dance acts, juggling acts, pillow fights, physical comedy, some acrobatics and the two funniest comperes I’ve ever seen in the West End.
This show is not for the faint-hearted - it’s 16+ only and they mean it.
There are penis jokes, masturbation dances, penis songs… all designed to have you screaming with laughter.
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It’s not your average cabaret or burlesque, it’s not your average comedy show and it’s not your average circus show … but a heady mix of all the above.
My friend who accompanied me described it as ‘an uncategorisable romp’ - with plenty of audience participation.
Champagne is poured into mouths from above, guests are hauled up on stage, laps are sat on… if you’re a wallflower, make sure to pick a seat at the back.
On the night we were there, the Hollywood star and Oscars host Neil Patrick Harris was in the audience and gave the cast a standing ovation.
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Those wanting to add to the glamour of the visit can pay for access to the venue’s ‘Nola’s bar’.
The speakeasy-style room is accessed through a secret door with a password, which is certainly a glamorous step up from most theatre bars, with exceptionally friendly cocktail waiters.
It’s hard to stand out in the West End with a new show, but Sabrage definitely achieves it
The name comes from the French word for the technique of opening a bottle with a sword - a daring, glamorous and eccentric ritual that is the perfect summary of the show.
The show is booking until 6 July, with tickets from £25.