In a time long, long ago, before reality television or social networking existed, live performances were a popular form of socializing and entertainment. During the 1950’s, cabaret was one of the most popular choices for a night out. Audiences would enjoy the show from the comfort of their own table at the venue, where they would also be served dinner. Chequers, a leading Sydney cabaret venue of this time, gained a reputation for being one of the best in its field for international performers, as it imported top acts from all around the world. The venue ran for 20 years until the late 1970’s at its Gouldburn st location in Sydney city, hosting an impressive lineup of international cabaret acts including Dionne Warwick, Sammy Davis Jr., Liza Minnelli, Peter Allen, Matt Monroe, Shirley Bassey, Ginger Rogers and Nelson Eddy.
Cabaret originated in 19th century Paris at Le Chat Noir, where poets and musicians performed in a casual atmosphere while audiences felt free to eat and drink at the same time. Today ‘Slide’, a glamorous and sophisticated 1920’s art deco style venue located at Oxford st Darlinghurst, is Sydney’s most famous cabaret venue. It offers dinner and a show in an intimate space from Tuesday to Saturday nights.
Slide Venue Setting
The venue works on the principal of submissions, where performers are invited to put forward their cabaret show for selection. Although cabaret still proves to be a popular form of entertainment, especially at Slide with their weekly sell out show EL’CIRCO, unfortunately there are only a handful of venues in Sydney that host such shows, leaving performers with little opportunity to get their show on stage.
/by N.E
NightFusion 