Late Night Cabaret

Having gone to my first Late Night Cabaret after years of avoiding it in favour of fitting in 20-30 other shows and trying to get a good night's rest, I'm sad to say that I've been missing out all of these years. It's just such a great celebration of Fringe!

That being said, I'd happened to have already seen most of what was on offer from the guests (on the same day, bad luck!). That, combined with the tech booth cranking the sound up to 11, made me want to dip out a bit early. No joke, the pre-show and intermission music (not from the live band, just the random stuff they were playing) was painful for me, and I wasn't even next to the speakers. My ears are still ringing 24 hours later. It was like being in the mosh pit for a rock concert. Given the size of the venue, I just don't think that balancing was appropriate, but maybe that's always the vibe? It sounded cool from the line outside! I'll definitely try to schedule it in again for one or two nights next year, but hopefully it's a little easier on the ol' ears!

A Fringe classic, the Late Night Cabaret is a hard show to do wrong. A rotating roster of featured artists from the festival, charismatic hosts, and a phenomenal house band - plus snacks and drinks - it’s a memorable event and a very fun way to spend your evening. The show includes games, interviews, performances, live music, really there’s nothing not to love about it. Different artists from shows around the festival feature every night, so if you’re looking for teasers to help find out what you’re interested in seeing, the Late Night Cabaret is the place to go. It’s not just teasers though. There’s a whole show in and of itself, where you get to enjoy the ridiculous game show energy of the hosts' various improv and comedy games, and the featured musical artist supported by the house band. Overall, if you’re a fan of the festival or not, you will have a good time at the Late Night Cabaret - and if you do, why not come back the next day? It’s sure to never be the same twice!

You know it and you love it! The LNC never disappoints and opening night was one to remember.

Kelly Turner you will ALWAYS be famous 💚

A Fringe classic.

Late Night Cabaret is a late night show (that starts at midnight) that's been a staple at Fringe for the past couple decades.

You get jokes, previews of Fringe shows, guests, games, free shit, guest musical acts and a phenomenal band.

There's a lot to like, and I've gone every night for the past few Fringes.

It's hard to imagine taking off a star for something that I've stayed out until 2am for every night for several years, but the past couple years have had bits that really just should have been axed.

Last year, it was the "band name" contest, which was a bad band name generator putting out names, and then the audience cheering for them. It was dull, underthought, and the crowned band name after last year was thrown out this year.

This Fringe, the bit is they auction off a headshot of Murray Utas in exchange for what people in the room are willing to barter. It's a funny bit on paper, but practically, it's been a waste of time almost every night. Mostly, it's just people in the audience holding up junk they have, while the host runs around unable to see or hear what's on offer, and then the person trades it for something they ostensibly don't want and will recycle.

The bit hit its maximum possible value early on with a ziploc bag of loose potato salad, and has only been disappointing since. I wish they'd bail on it and just give guests extra time, put in another guest, or honestly just let the band play more.

But bad bits that get doubled-down on aside, the show is still a classic, and I'll still be there every night.

This YEG version of the Late Show is one that keeps the audience engaged. With multiple quick acts from other fringe shows and even a feature artists there’s always something going on. Not to mention brining the audience up for live games. But even when someone isn’t on stage the live house band and music creates a euphoric atmosphere when mixed with the fog machines and dancing lights. If you are in need of a fun late night activity the Late Night Cabaret is the perfect solution for you.