Copacabana – The London Cabaret Club

Review: Copacabana at The London Cabaret ClubReview: Copacabana at The London Cabaret Club Prepare for an unforgettable evening of entertainment at The London Cabaret Club’s “Copacabana” show. This spectacular production brings the vibrant carnival atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro to London’s West End. From the pre-show entertainment on the beach terrace to the captivating performances in the grand ballroom, “Copacabana” immerses guests in South American culture. The talented dancers donning flamboyant costumes showcase breathtaking salsa, cha-cha, and merengue. The live singers, including Paul McDowell, Katie Cook, and Sofia Klimovsky, deliver enchanting Latin tunes that will make you want to sway along. Special acts, such as the aerial duo Duo Odyssey and the acrobatic Tatiana Ozhiganova, add an extra dose of wonder and excitement. The intimate staging allows the cast to interact with the audience, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Indulge in a culinary delight as you savor a three or four-course meal alongside the entertainment. The menu boasts a variety of options, all crafted to perfection. The dining experience adds an extra layer of sophistication to the overall show. After the main performance, an after-party with a conga and dancing keeps the night going until 1am. For an exceptional evening out, “Copacabana” offers an unforgettable blend of live music, dance, fine dining, and a touch of after-hours revelry. It’s perfect for a special occasion, date night, or simply an indulgent evening out. Review by Terry Eastham Rating: 5 stars

When you have something to celebrate, you want to do it in style. Whether it’s a special event or just a celebration of life with friends, or even alone, there are times when we all want something spectacular to add an extra touch to that celebration. If this is you, then you can’t do better than head to the London Cabaret Club for their summer show Copacabanasomething I recently did with my friend Lynne.

Copacabana at The London Cabaret Club. Photo credit: Josh Thomason.

This isn’t a theatre show, but it is a spectacular evening of music, dance and food that brings the carnival atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro to London’s West End. Your experience begins at around 6.30pm with pre-show entertainment on the beach terrace, before moving to the grand ballroom for an evening of South American pageantry as a fantastic group of dancers perform salsa, cha-cha and merengue in stunning costumes, where sequins join feathers to create something visually spectacular. Alongside the dancers are live singers – Paul McDowell, Katie Cook and Sofia Klimovsky – singing Latin songs, many of which you’ll recognise, including the inevitable, and so worth waiting for, version of Barry Manilow’s ‘Copacabana’, a real highlight in an evening of highlights for me.

In addition to the singers and dancers, there were also special acts, including the couple Maks and Sophia Korbun, better known as Duo Odyssey who you may remember as an aerial duo who reached the finals of Series 16 of Britain’s Got Talent and aerial acrobat Tatiana Ozhiganova. They were both amazing and stunning performers who at times took our breath away as they amazed us with their skill and grace.

The show is performed in a circle with a relatively small stage in the middle of the ballroom. This was an excellent staging as the cast often came off stage and mingled with the audience while they were eating, so that we were always part of the action and the atmosphere. South American dance is flamboyant, ostentatious and involves the whole body in sometimes extravagant gestures and there were times when I was amazed that the eleven-member cast managed not to bump into each other or the waiting staff while they were performing. But the whole production is so well choreographed that everyone moves smoothly and beautifully.

Depending on your budget, Copacabana offers different levels of experience from the Silver, the no food option, to the Royal Diamond, where you are treated like royalty and fed accordingly. All food options include a three or four course meal. Lynne and I were somewhere in the middle of the options and although I am not a reviewer, it was superb. A great choice and cooked to perfection. In fact, this was one of the few times that Lynne and I did not get envy from what other guests were eating, we were so happy with our own choices. This was truly fine dining and as part of the overall experience at Copacabana, every bite added to our enjoyment.

I can’t say much more about it Copacabana. It should be pretty obvious that we had a fantastic night at the London Cabaret Club. There was an after party after the main show which started with a huge conga and went on until 1am. As Lynne and I were leaving we reflected on the evening as a whole and she pointed out that it may have seemed a little pricey at first, Copacabana With over six hours of pre-show entertainment, live shows, after-parties and fine dining, this is excellent value for money. It’s the perfect venue for almost any party, date night or just an evening when you want to forget your worries and treat yourself to the best cabaret show in Brazil (well, London).

Review by Terry Eastham

The show consists of three distinct acts, taking the audience on a sensual journey through the ‘Copacabana’ theme. Act one begins with samba dancers in exotic costumes on the sun-drenched shores of Rio de Janeiro, bringing the intense and exciting atmosphere of Carnival season to the heart of the capital. Act two shifts the focus to another ‘Copacabana’: the world-famous New York City nightclub, famous for its celebrity clientele and early performances by legends such as Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and a much-talked-about setting that has featured in numerous award-winning films. Act three introduces ‘Lola The Showgirl’, the Latin American dancer immortalized in Barry Manilow’s iconic ‘Copacabana’ theme tune.

The show’s music will run a varied course, with selections from the musical Copacabana and Brazilian classics transformed into global hits by ‘The Brazilian Bombshell’ Carmen Miranda, along with the iconic song made popular by Barry Manilow. A sparkling Latin band will oversee proceedings throughout the night.

During the show, a skillfully composed South American menu is served. After the show, DJs ensure that guests can continue to party until the early hours.

The London Cabaret Club presents
COPACABANA
June 27 – October 26, 2024
The Bloomsbury Ballroom Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, Holborn, London WC1B 4DA