It’s November, the winter chill and dark evenings have finally descended upon the neighbourhood and, with slightly perverse timing, the Arcola Tent is launched. Not quite a pop-up venue but buying into the concept, the Tent venue is a few yards away from the main Arcola building. The 300 seat cabaret/comedy venue is under canvas, with an interior constructed mainly from salvaged materials; shrouded in black fabric, with low lights and delicious mulled wine on offer it’s all very enticing. And the entertainers suggest, ‘with a twinkle in their eye’ that you huddle up to the person next to you to keep warm. 

Hackney councillor Gary Nicholson officially opened the venue introducing East End Cabaret with their ‘tongue firmly in cheek’ musical revue ‘The Revolution will be Sexual’. Featuring ‘deviant diva Bernadette Byrne, and her freakish accomplice Victor Victoria’ with accordion, musical saw, and additional props. Described by Time Out as "The queens of musical smut" - the performers combine a repartee of stand up, ‘tributes’ of some recognisable tunes, a dash of political satire and the tried and tested formula of an on stage rivalry between the two characters. This was a light hearted show, involving a bit of front row participation, greeted by the audience with warm amusement. Following their run at the Arcola the company will be touring Australia and Asia so now is the time to catch them.

Future performances in the Tent will centre around a programme of comedy and cabaret, with a blend of community groups putting on shows too, by a mix of both established and up-and-coming companies and artists.

Bryony Hegarty

East End Cabaret: The Revolution Will Be Sexual
24-26 November
Price - £12 / £10conc
where - The Arcola Theatre Tent, 2 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London, E8 3DL
Tickets - Call the Box Office on 020 7503 1646 or book online at www.arcolatheatre.com

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