A long time ago, before babies, sports hospitality and Wimbledon Debentures, I was a London-based actor. My first-hand experience of treading the boards has, at times, allowed me to adopt an overly critical view of what is sometimes presented on stage in the name of theatre darling…… But then once in a while, a production comes along that reminds me that theatre is one of the most, inspiring, stimulating collaborative art forms out there.
Last night, through our Sporting Agenda partnership with Ambassadors Theatre Group, I was invited to the critically acclaimed show ‘Cabaret’. Here, I will try and explain why it is such a brilliant night (or afternoon) out for a group of clients, colleagues or friends.
The Playhouse Theatre near Embankment has been completely transformed into the Kit Kat Club in 1930’s Berlin, with themed bars and pre show performers on the balconies and staircases. Inside the auditorium (with a capacity of less than 600), guests feel they are in the beating heart of the Kit Kat Club, taking their seats for the evening’s entertainment; our VIPs are ideally positioned in the front rows of the dress circle. The show itself is gaudy, bawdy and grotesque, pulsing with energy and bubbling with menacing political undercurrent……. Performances are tight and physical, with the infamous ‘Emcee’ character guiding the direction and setting the tone throughout.
Private hospitality guests have early access to the club from 6pm, and are greeted at the stage door by their dedicated hosts for the evening. Their immersive experience begins immediately as they are taken backstage and down corridors, passing dancers and artists and picking up a shot of schnapps en route, before entering the private Moët and Chandon Suite, deep in the bowels of the theatre. The suite has a beautiful art deco champagne bar, a pianist, private washrooms and cloakroom and customisable lightboxes available for corporate branding. Prior to curtain up, guests have more than an hour to enjoy drinks and substantial premium canapes (salt baked baby potato with caviar, crispy ox cheek bon bon). They are escorted back to their private suite in the interval for more champagne and dessert.
The show has unsurprisingly received 7 Olivier Awards so far. With the Moët and Chandon suite hospitality package, it really is a very special, impressive way to entertain. The room can accommodate between 8 and 26 people and prices are from £375pp + VAT.
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