Sabrage is the French word for opening a bottle of champagne with a sword! It’s also a kickass name for the new cabaret show by renowned director Scott Maidment, and it’s just hit Lafayette King’s Cross. I was lucky enough to check it out the other night… here’s what went down!
Arriving at Lafayette, we were immediately whisked into the gorgeous Nola’s bar for pre-show cocktails. Nola’s is described as “an opulent speakeasy that channels the heady glamour of the Roaring Twenties,” and that’s spot on. Jungle-chic wallpaper, artsy lighting, a well-stocked bar, and an atmosphere that nails the mood, set the scene. Our cocktails were served by lovely bar staff Carmie and Cheveay, and they were delicious – the cocktails, I’m not here to judge the bar staff! I’d never had a sidecar before, but YUM, and my wife discovered her new favourite cocktail – a French 75.
As we relaxed, one of the performers came over to say hello, although he seemed to have forgotten his trousers! He couldn’t stay and chat long, though, as the show was about to start.
Inside, the theatre is small but perfect for cabaret, with seats on three sides of a rounded thrust stage and a balcony area above. We settled onto a comfy two-person sofa, prosecco in hand, and thought, “So far, so good.” Then the show kicked off, and the fun began!
The dancers opened the show in stunning costumes – and even more stunning moves. We were transfixed!
Our hosts for the evening were Rémi ‘Napoleon Bonaparte’ Martin, a Frenchman with the accompanying accent, and Spencer Novich, an American who sounded, well… American. They’re a hilarious double act, each delivering seriously impressive solo acts later. After a bit of tomfoolery from Spencer – be warned, if you’re near the stage, prepare to be accosted – a young woman in a striking costume with an even more incredible voice (Rechelle Mansour) sang I Put A Spell On You. Smooth, soulful, and totally magnetic. Just, wow.
Next was something truly unique – Emma Phillips (or ‘foot lady’ as I call her) expertly balanced, spun, and even threw objects with her feet! She started with parasols, then moved to a table. Amazing stuff. Remi followed with grape-catching – less impressive, but still entertaining.
The troupe returned in sexy maid outfits – seeing big, burly Flynn Miller squeezed into one was a personal highlight, and not even his skimpiest look of the night! This gorgeous cast is as funny and cheeky as they are talented, performing dances full of naughtiness and humour. Expect flying feathers, champagne poured from above, Remi playing an unforgettable rendition of Edith Piaf’s Je Ne Regrette Rien with a certain unexpected instrument, and a towel dance that might offer a revealing surprise if things slip!
Sadly, we missed the much-anticipated trapeze act featuring Flynn Miller and Kimberley Bargenquast due to equipment issues, so you’ve got that to look forward to. Alongside the stunning dancers – special shout-outs to the effortlessly sexy Skye Ladell and Christian Nimri – a highlight was Spencer Novich’s incredibly physical comedy lip sync medley of music and movie quotes. It’s five nonstop minutes of impressive hilarity and physical exertion.
Before attending, I expected a series of individual acts, similar to La Clique. But Sabrage is very much an ensemble experience. Chatting to the performers afterward (another perk of the Nola’s bar ticket upgrade), their genuine closeness and chemistry were obvious – and beautifully reflected in the performance.
If I had one criticism, it’s the lack of cast diversity. I understand it’s an Australian import, but this is London. That matters. Although the fabulous Rechelle Mansour is of mixed heritage, the rest of the group are all seemingly ‘white’. A West End dancer recently told me how hard it is for women of colour, particularly those with darker complexions, to find work in theatre and dance. More shows need to represent their communities – and more critics need to highlight this issue. I know they know, but that’s not enough.
That said, Sabrage is a fabulous, sexy, silly, risqué show. Although there isn’t much actual sabrage involved, who cares? It’s a riot. Go. Drink. Cheer. Don’t bring your gran! Catch this unique show before they head back down under on 6th July 2025!
Book your tickets now at sabrageshow.co.uk
Words by Nick Barr
Main Photo by Roy J Baron
