CABARET NOCTURNE: DARK SUMMER
SHOW FIRST : PLAY AFTER
Friday 24 July | Under Old Street
Doors: 7:30pm | Cabaret: 8:00–9:15pm
Play space open after the show until 1:00am
This summer, Cabaret Nocturne returns beneath the city for its darkest and most decadent chapter yet.
Welcome to Dark Summer.
Dark Summer is Cabaret Nocturne at its most seductive: a night of wilted glamour, sweat-slick decadence and queer nightlife glowing beneath the heat of midnight. Think black lace in summer storms, smudged eyeliner at sunrise, flower petals scattered across velvet floors and lipstick stains on cocktail glasses. The aesthetic leans into dark glamour, underground elegance and beautiful excess. Guests are encouraged to embrace the mood through expressive fashion, dramatic silhouettes, leather, mesh, sequins, tailoring, latex, lace or anything that feels decadent, theatrical and unapologetically you. Performances throughout the night will embody this same spirit of dark summer fantasy: intimate, strange, glamorous, playful and just a little dangerous.
The evening unfolds in two acts
First comes the cabaret.
A curated showcase of drag, live performance, comedy and theatrical chaos designed to seduce, surprise and delight. Expect bold characters, dark humour, beautiful absurdity and performers who know exactly how to keep you leaning forward in your seat.
Guiding you through the evening is your host, Aunty Ursula, everybody’s favourite slightly unhinged Aunty of the underground, serving late-night glamour, storytelling and just enough bad influence to keep things interesting.
Then the night shifts.
As the curtain falls, the atmosphere deepens.
The performance space opens into an intimate, consent-led play environment where guests are invited to explore, connect, learn or simply soak in the atmosphere around them. Whether you are experienced, curious or simply there to observe, Dark Summer welcomes you exactly as you are.
Expect immersive spaces, playful energy and a community built on respect, care and curiosity.
There is never pressure to participate beyond your comfort level. Some guests come to play, some to socialise, some to learn and some simply to exist within the atmosphere of the night.
All are welcome.
Cabaret Nocturne is built around:
• Respect and consent
• Community and care
• Curiosity and discovery
• Celebration of queer creativity and expression
Please note this event is BYOB.
Accessibility:
Access to the venue is down two short flights of stairs, and the bathroom has one step. Please get in touch if you have any accessibility needs and we will always do our best to assist.
Stay up to date by following our Instagram:
@cabaret_nocturne_