If you’re anything like me, you love a bit of risqué humour, glitter, and just the right amount of unhinged, Sabrage might be your next obsession. Set in the heart of King’s Cross, this French-inspired immersive show combines cabaret, acrobatics, comedy, and a whole lot of champagne – quite literally, it’s in the name. Sabrage brings you to a different universe where all you can think of is what crazy act is going to happen next. Or how you can get every sneak peek without being too obvious. We made our way to see the show, and it exceeded our expectations. Spoiler alert: you will see, hear, and feel way more than you thought.
Where is the Sabrage show in London?
You’ll find the provocative Sabrage inside Lafayette, just a few-minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras station. Tucked beside Coal Drops Yard, the venue is impossible to miss once you spot the big Sabrage poster at the entrance.
Thanks to being a staple of London’s live music scene, hosting iconic performances from acts like Charli XCX and Dave, I was sure Lafayette would be a good time. Embracing an exciting evolution, becoming the perfect backdrop for the stunning Sabrage, the venue provided a truly extravagant experience.
First impression
It’s not every day you’re invited to drink champagne like a 19th-century French aristocrat while acrobats swing overhead, but here we are. My Wednesday evening began in a glamorous, dimly lit bar surrounded by secretive conversations and giggles. It feels like entering a different time in history with bedazzling outfits and dance-worthy music.
To be completely honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Would this be a refined evening of polite cabaret with a silly joke here and there, or something a little wilder? Judging from the sequins, occasional shirtless actor passing by, fluffy feathers, and cheeky smirks from the cast, I suspected the latter.
Nola’s lounge is where the fun begins
Before indulging in the event, we decided that we simply must make some time for Nola’s bar! Sabrage’s velvet-draped speakeasy, tucked inside Lafayette. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like you’re stumbling into an exclusive after-hours club. Imagine antique furniture, long mysterious corridors, low lighting, cosy bar section.
We sat down at the back, ready to try out some artisanal cocktails and get a nibble or two before the scandalous show began. The extensive selection of cocktails, paired with Southern-inspired bites, is perfect for lining your stomach before the champagne starts flowing. The friendly staff in sleek back outfits glide around with drinks while mysterious performers float in and out of sight, offering just enough of a tease to stir curiosity. What’s not to like?
What can you expect during the show?
Finally, it’s time to head for the iconic Sabrage. As the staff leads us to our seats, we’re plunged into an energetic and intimate atmosphere. We sit down, and the show finally begins.
Once the first act started, I was already laughing from all the cheeky comedy that was building the tension in the room. Acts ranging from effortlessly breathtaking vocals to gravity-defying acrobatics – simply shocking talent from the top performers. My jaw dropped with every circus act, thinking of the level of preparation it must take to perform something so intense and beautiful. The only way to describe it is fully interactive and absolutely insane.
As the performance continued, we became one with the show. All I can say is, prepare to hear actors chatting to the spectators, cracking jokes, dancing all around you (and above you), and involving guests in almost every part of it. One minute you’re laughing at the sassy one-liner; the next, you’re holding your breath as you see someone literally walk on the champagne bottles in heels – yes, we really saw it all.
Unexpected turn
The show offers an interval allowing premium members to relax back at Nola’s lounge, sipping on another cocktail or two before we get down to the juicy part of Sabrage.
As we went back to the performance area, we only had one thought: Can this get any more chaotic and steamy? Guess what – it can! We’re back again with adult-themed jokes and incredible performers doing the most insane acrobatic and dance numbers. Suddenly, we were asked to put our phones away. The real party began.
Let’s just say the clothes were dropping, nudity was increasing, and you could see things that only your imagination can access. That’s right, we’re talking scandalous, nude acts that only an adult audience could handle. The stage heated up, if you ask me…
At last, the sabrage.
We’ve been building anticipation for this all night, and we’re finally witnessing it. The crew performs the legendary Napoleonic-era act of opening champagne with a sabre, and it’s so exciting to watch. Champagne is all around us – a truly bubbly culmination.
Final Thoughts
After experiencing Sabrage and seeing what it’s all about, I can honestly say it’s more than just your typical show; it’s a party disguised as theatre. It’s loud, glittery, and just so unhinged. Go with friends, order a round (or three) of champagne or cocktails, and embrace the unpredictability. You’ll leave with bubbles in your glass, glitter in your hair, and a story worth telling to everyone.
P.S. Sit closer to the stage if you want to be part of the action, further back if you prefer to admire with your glass safely in your hand. We’re not lying when we say it’s quite chaotic.