London Festival of Cabaret 2014: Cabaret Confidential at the Pheasantry

It is likely that two minutes into Cabaret Confidential many in the audience are resolved to come back – and the remaining two hours are hardly going to change that.

This London Festival of Cabaret instalment of Excess All Area’s monthly talent showcase hosted by Jamie Anderson, and accompanied by pianist Simona Budd, introduces a line-up of four superb acts. Anderson expertly guides through the evening in a charming and spontaneous way. His highly amusing interpretation of Petula Clark’s Downtown (changed to “online”) is particularly noteworthy.

Susan Thomas delights with a solid performance. Her strong voice and apt song choice render the few little insecurities in some of her numbers barely noticeable. She has an obvious talent for comedy and acting that brings to life her onstage persona for the night: Sister Susan, a nun who loves the lime light.

Incidentally, Thomas Young, the evening’s youngest performer, seems tellingly named. He also appears to be the very definition of rising talent. Young’s vocal performance is flawless; he tackles his varied repertoire with ease. His interpretation of Steinman’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now makes its impact even without the dramatic arrangement of the popular recordings, while Kooman and Dimond’s To Excess makes for a delightful moment of musical theatre that emphasises Young’s acting talent.

Claire Benjamin would bring additional glamour to any evening. Her sultry voice and charismatic performance are truly captivating, while Mike Kemp, the accompanying pianist, is one of the evening’s surprise revelations.

Finally, the Mike King Collective are an unmitigated delight. A blast of immaculate timing, rhythm and vocal performances, the true impact of their enchanting presentation is almost impossible to put into words. Perhaps it is best expressed by the question of why these guys haven’t been signed by a label yet.

With such a knack for spotting top talent, it’s no surprise that Cabaret Confidential is now in its eighth successful year, set for lasting success. It’s an evening out that should not be missed.

Anne Korn

Cabaret Confidential is next on 19^th June 2014, for further information or to book visit here.

London Festival of Cabaret 2014 is on until 22^nd May 2014, for further information or to book visit here.