SUPPER CLWB
Ffresh, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. 029 2065 6464 / www.wmc.org.uk
Food ***** Atmosphere *****
At the back of Ffresh Bar, an inconspicuous entrance leads you to a darkened room cut off from the outside world by thick black curtains – and for good reason, too: this ‘cave’ is the home of the Supper Clwb. Tonight was the first burlesque show in a rolling programme, produced by Cardiff Cabaret Club and hosted by Stage Door Johnny, whose humour and off-the-wall songs made him an entertainment package in his own right.
Apart from a short break while meals were served and eaten, the acts were non-stop and included Miss Betty Blue Eyes – winner of the British Crown at the World Burlesque Games 2016, no less – as an opera singer with more than one pair of false lips; Vixie Rouge, who educated us on the eating habits of the flamingo; FooFooLaBelle the dancing mermaid; and even a young version of the Queen, Kitty Katastrophy, who strutted her stuff to the Sex Pistols. Robert Young, the pianist who sat quietly corner stage, gave the evening a touch of class. The audience, mostly women or couples, lapped it up, becoming more raucous as the night progressed. There were plenty of boas, tassels and wiggly bottoms, but it was all in the best possible taste.
And talking of taste, the three small plates of food were fresh and flavourful, and just big enough to leave room for more wine or cocktails. I chose the vegetarian option: polenta with mushrooms, spicy sweet potato, and a cooling fennel salad. Having launched at the beginning of June, this Saturday night entertainment is not for the fainthearted. Adult themes abound, no language is off limits, and innuendos are not so subtle. This is cabaret without censorship, and great fun with it.
Supper Clwbs themed around drag, musical theatre, burlesque and comedy are on every Saturday until 19 October, and while shows are on a rolling basis they won’t be the same twice. Tickets are £30, which gets you food, two cocktails and live entertainment. Leave your preconceived ideas at the door and expect the unexpected. LYNDA NASH
