Cabinet Sinistro: Sanguine Supper
The Bedford, London
3-12-2024
There are quite a number of alternative nights on the London scene so making a statement by doing something truly different needs a lot of thought. This is where Cabinet Sinistro produced by Elena Black and Francis G. Hastly scores heavily. They haven’t just tweaked the same old format, they’ve incorporated both new and also older elements too. They’ve also taken the time to find their perfect venue. The room that plays host tonight inside The Bedford is just beautiful. It’s an intimate setting with a good sized stage, well lit (praise be!) and a stunning ‘in the round’ balcony. This isn’t just a show where people stand though. This is a fully seated three course Christmas meal with a horror themed cabaret. We are guided through the evening by Francis who proves to be a dab hand at stand up entertainment as well as a decent metal singer. In the opening segment he duets ‘Nymphetamine Fix’ with Ava Ventura whose classical vocals are nothing short of sensational. It’s the first of two high class performances from Ventura. Of course no Vampire themed night would be complete without Dracula dropping in for a bite, fortunately this time he brings his own blood supply not so discreetly on tap in his ‘downbelows’. Plus points for the make up here has be to be given.
Act two kicks off after the main courses have been devoured with a reminder that tonight is also serving as a fundraiser for the Shelter charity. A worthy cause, no less so as we enter the coldest time of year. An Akasha ‘Queen Of The Damned’ themed belly dance routine mesmerises everyone present. Elena Black then goes full Drusilla on us as a scarily realistic demented blood sucker. A crown of thorns, infant (not real, don’t panic) and pouring of the red stuff only adds to the shock value. The audience love it. There’s some attendee participation by which someone has been discovered to be Van Helsing and has to be slayed by Francis to appease Elena’s fruitcake immortal. The ‘discovered’ vampire hunter is played beautifully by an unsuspecting audience member. Well done that lady! Then it’s time for dessert.
Ahead of the final three acts we get treated to Fango, which is Bingo with bite. Then comes a burlesque treat from Polly Anther who shows what true professionalism is when dealing with a stubborn corset. Making a play on the capricious garment only endears her to everyone even more. Those of a more delicate disposition need to look away as it’s time for some on stage body piercing. Those needles are not small either! We’re nearing the end and it’s time for headline artist Dani Divine to do her thing. This is a fire performance par excellence tailored perfectly for the surroundings. You can see why Divine remains such a huge draw when she appears on a bill. There is literally no one else quite like her. It’s been a wonderful evening hosted to the highest of standards and raising money for a great cause. Cabinet Sinistro is presented so well and offers something for alternative people that is dare we say, a little more sophisticated. And as a bonus tonight no one got eaten.
Review and photos by Gary Trueman