We love a good onstage performance here in Manchester, and that includes burlesque and cabaret. Burlesque is intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works. Often confused with striptease, it is in reality a more complex performance format. The very first burlesque shows were popular from the 1860s to the 1940s in the US, often held in cabarets and clubs, as well as theatres and featured bawdy comedy. So, in the modern day, here are the best burlesque and cabaret shows to catch in Manchester.
1. Kunst Kabaret at Albert’s Schloss
Kunst Kabaret invites you to the darker corners of the performance world, home to the cabaret resurgence and an almighty art revolution. It’s a night that invites guests to the dark corners of provocative performance. Kunst Kabaret takes place at Manchester’s Albert’s Schloss every Tuesday night with no tickets needed, and promises a night of debauchery within these iconic walls.
📍 27 Peter St, Manchester M2 5QR.
2. Ember & The Vixens at Cultplex
Manchester’s most well-known burlesque performers, Ember & The Vixens, present special performances at GRUB’s Cultplex this Halloween and Christmas. Selina Helliwell’s lavish show will transform the gorgeous cinema room into a night of spooktacular female empowerment – Halloween-style. ‘Ember’s Spooky Season Sizzler‘ will feature live music, burlesque, circus and more, and the cast of fabulous entertainers are more than ready to entertain, empower and dazzle. Tickets available here.
As an early Christmas present, they will also be putting on a lavish cabaret filled with Video Game characters, pop culture delights and all the fantastical escapism you could ask for. The sparkling show will turn Cultplex into a cabaret den, featuring live music, burlesque, spoken word, circus and more in this Gamer special in the run up to Christmas. Find tickets here.
📍 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF.
3. Fairfield Social Club
In a series of movie specials, Fairfield Social Club presents both ‘The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert 30th Anniversary‘, and ‘Dragged to the movies!‘. Join FSC for a spectacular 30th anniversary screening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the vibrant and heart-warming tale that has captivated audiences for three decades, on August 22.
With its unforgettable costumes, timeless soundtrack, and powerful message of self-discovery and acceptance, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert remains a landmark film in LGBTQ+ cinema, and the screening is followed by a free cabaret celebrating iconic drag films. Find tickets here.
Also on August 22, join SCENE for a tribute to those films that have brought drag onto the big screen, Hosted by Divina DeCampo (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK). With performances celebrating and parodying Mrs Doubtfire, Priscilla, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Elvira and more, Divina will be joined by top drag talent and DJs including Liquorice Black for an unforgettable closing night party. Tickets here.
📍 6 Irk Street, Manchester M4 4JT.
4. Drag Comedy Cabaret
Get ready to laugh your socks off with the iconic BBC New Comedy Award-shortlisted drag comedian Lady Bushra. With her viral digital content and hilarious one-liners, she brings a unique and side-splitting comedy night like no other. Experience life from a British South Asian perspective with heavy doses of humour in a cabaret-style setting. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event – get your tickets now!
📍 Pot Kettle Black Angel Gardens, 1 Rochdale Road, Manchester M4 4GE.
5. Bad Bunny Burlesque Bottomless Brunch at The Fitzgerald
On the first Saturday of every month, The Fitzgerald presents to you the Bad Bunny Burlesque Bottomless Brunch. Join The Fitz for this raunchy 1920s-themed bottomless brunch, with endless drinks, stunning food and breathtaking burlesque.
Strap in for two hours of burlesque with the amazing girls from Siren Entertainment as well as some other Fitz regulars along the way. Your ticket includes two hours of the best entertainment, a brunch dish courtesy of Quarter House and a choice of delicious bottomless drinks. Book yourself in here.
📍 11 Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DB.
6. Cocktails and Cabaret at The Cockatoo Club
The Cockatoo Club loves a cabaret show, and there are two in the near future on the calendar. Self announced queen of everything, Belinda Scandal hits the stage on Friday 30 August with her comedy infused cabaret show. Then, on September 14, bona-fide celebrity in her native Australia, drag superstar Dolly Diamond returns to the UK with her one woman stand-up show. Book tables ahead of time by sending them a message on Facebook.
📍 20 Richmond St, Manchester M1 3ND.
7. Divas Cabaret Show at BarPop
Every Saturday night, Divas Cabaret Show takes over BarPop in Manchester’s Gay Village, hosted by Jackie Love. From 8pm, expect divas, debauchery and a whole load of fun, as is usual for BarPop, right in the heart of the Gay Village. These incredible Drag Queens know exactly what they’re doing, and have been working in the trade for years, so you can expect a top night of cabaret. Book ahead here.
📍 10 Canal St, Manchester M1 3EZ.
8. An Evening of Burlesque at Stockport Plaza
Direct from London’s West End, behold a night of laughter, cabaret, mystery, and glamour. The UK’s longest running burlesque show is back touring the nation, and it’s bigger than ever. Stockport Plaza presents a good old-fashioned night out with the ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque to light up all your senses. It’s cocktails and cabaret o’clock! Find tickets here.
📍 Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP.