Vaudeville Seduces with its Burlesque Extravaganza

VAUDEVILLE IS CLOSED. IF YOU'RE ON THE HUNT FOR RIVETING DINNER THEATRE IN CAPE TOWN, PAY A VISIT TO RICHARD'S SUPPER STAGE & BISTRO IN SEA POINT. 

There’s nothing like watching a bronze California babe strip off her top while spinning a flaming hula-hoop around her. It’s so wrong – yet so right. And at Vaudeville, Cape Town’s new variety gala, it’s just one of many outlandish spectacles they dish up every night. We went there the other evening to watch the latest version of this ever-evolving show and, we’ve got to say, we were impressed. It was a lot of fun. And very memorable.

Vaudeville is a 300-seat supper club that serves up eccentric acts with its three-course dinners. Top South African and international performers present a multi-genre theatrical piece that includes Olympic gymnasts, aerial acrobats, a hula hoop fire act, sexy show girls, crazy pole runners, slammin’ tap dancers, jammin’ B-boys and more. Guiding you throughout is a flamboyant MC, a sado-masochistic diva, and a melancholic penguin. (Don’t ask. Somehow it all works.)

A swingin’ showcase

We sat in the balcony section looking down on the stage, but we would have been just as happy with the crowds below. All the seats are good. And the performances are indeed impressive. It kicks off with an absurdly good-looking couple doing some sort of “power dance” together. The skill and strength required to pull off some of their manoeuvres was mind-boggling. (The fact that the dude had a killer six-pack excited plenty of the ladies – and many of the men too.) It only got better, and more complex, as the show went on.

As the performers sang, danced, juggled, and swung around from the ceilings, we enjoyed a tasty meal. For starters, we grazed on salad with bread and meze. For mains, I had the beef ribs with couscous, my colleague had the salmon ravioli and yet another munched on the butternut and gorgonzola tart. Then we finished it all off later with a chocolate brownie. We were pleased by the quality of the menu, which changes regularly.

Wear a Fez, if you like

Vaudeville’s a funky, charming show. The performers dazzle you with their skill, they’re thankfully beautiful to look at, and they’ve wrapped it up in an entertaining package that is great for a special night out. You could enjoy it as a romantic occasion with your partner (or partners – we don’t judge), or with your family or workmates. You’ll laugh a lot and you’ll clap and whistle too. It’s a light-hearted show that hits the spot. Cape Town has needed this for a while now. We’re excited burlesque is back.

As a bonus, the Vaudeville venue incorporates the Moroccan-themed Fez Club that is being re-launched. Its convenient location will enable patrons to continue the party after each show. We say go.

Buy tickets

Performances run until July 2010, from Mon–Sat at 8:15pm with tickets costing R350–395pp. The price includes the show, meal, complimentary drink and entry into The Fez after the show.

Bookings can be made via bookings@vaudeville.co.za or 0861 SUPPER. Ten or more can get a 10% discount.

Vaudeville and the Fez Club are located at 11 Mechau Street, just off lower Bree Street on the Foreshore in Cape Town. Ample on-street parking with security is available.

For more information visit www.vaudeville.co.za

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Le Cabaret De Curiostiés brings cabaret, circus (and burlesque) to Cape Town this month.