As the year draws to a close and we step into the festive season, I think it an important thing to celebrate what has been, and take out the time to switch off and absorb the entertainment that London has to offer. Committed to staging cabaret nights featuring queer POC artists, Cocoa Butter Club continue on with their mission with their latest edition, A Cocoa Butter Club Christmas Show – an evening packed full of variety, opening up a world of cabaret to those returning to it, as well as those new to the form.
Steeped in 90s and early 00s R ‘n’ B & Hip Hop nostalgia, A Cocoa Butter Club Christmas Show instantly resonates, particularly with the Millenial and Gen Z crowd. Popular hits by celebrated artists from Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé Aaliyah are inventively remixed by the collective, Christmas classics also give the evening an endearing soulful quality. A Cocoa Butter Club Christmas Show conscious in cultivating a feel good, party vibe.
Kiki Snatch‘s sultry Santa drag act is a fun, fierce addition – their notable 90s commercial inspired dance routine one that lifts the mood. Mimi Sugarpill’s beautiful burlesque routine mesmeric and graceful, we’re gifted with the wonder that is watching a classy, effortless number incorporating swan-like feathers that equally exaggerate presence as they do playfully mask and shield.
Amazi’s animated hula hoop routine astounds – a gradual build up that sees her incorporate an array of hoops, we’re presented skill, an ease and energy that receives much deserved rapturous applause. Beau Jangles’ drag king act transports us back to an era of old, the 1940s, and Prince-like in aesthetic, we’re treated to a rendition of old school tunes reminiscent of old time Hollywood. Mel Leeand LaurenEliseamaze with their respective pole dance routines, figures of poise and strength they both individually, as well as collaboratively showcase prowess and fearlessness.
Tied smoothly together by singer and MC Sadie Sinner, we’re reminded as to why Cocoa Butter Club have created this much needed space – a safe space for all to enjoy work you’d not really see anywhere else, the show a vital event doing its part to support representation on our stages. Sadie Sinner’s presence a reassuring one, but one also not willing to take itself too seriously either. There’s a lovely feeling cultivated of togetherness – we all share in the experience of the night. A joyous occasion staged wonderfully, a slickly timed evening running with precision, thanks to glamorous stage managers Cynthiaand Seyi! Consisting of an incredibly talented line up of artists, A Cocoa Butter Club Christmas Show most certainly entertains, the perfect show to celebrate the end of the year!
Written by Lucy Basaba.
The Cocoa Butter Club Christmas Show was shown on Saturday 10th December 2022 at Shoreditch Town Hall. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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