4 minute read
HIDDEN GEM
Laura Wells discovers a secret, speakeasy-style hideaway featuring world-class performers and live music. Photography: Swirly Magnolia
An exclusive live cabaret lounge has opened its doors in the quiet market town of Clitheroe, welcoming visitors to a decadent spectacle of world-class aerial acts, fire performers, professional dancers, live music and more.
Part of The Hideaway Cabaret’s unique charm is its slightly surreal nature. As you step through the heavy velvet entrance curtain into the atmospheric lounge, it gives off the vibe of a prohibition speakeasy bar –and it’s easy to forget you’re on an unassuming industrial estate just near Tesco.
Seated at elegantly draped tables around the performance area and dance floor, the audience is a mixed affair – young couples on a date night with a difference, older couples soaking up the music and the atmosphere, family groups and even hen parties enjoying a sophisticated celebration of sauciness.
Entry is by ticket only and guests bring their own bottles – corkage on the night includes glasses, ice, water, ice buckets and attentive staff.
Owner Yvette Mauback-Lang welcomes each group and personally shows them to their table, disappearing into the dressing room only to re-emerge a few acts later for an unexpected performance complete with Dirty Dancing-esque lifts.
Throughout the evening, there are five show sets with a variety of dance and acrobatic acts – both male and female – accompanied by a talented live vocalist. And between each set, revellers have the opportunity to take to the dance floor, with a polite warning not to try the trapeze!
The show was described by one reviewer as, ‘The kind of entertainment the Ribble Valley has been missing for so long’ – and it’s clear that the performers are far from amateur.
Yvette explains: “We held auditions that attracted some really talented dancers and some of the team have worked for me before, so I already knew they would meet my very exacting standards. I’ve been performing professionally since I was 16 and it’s taken me all over the world.”
Yvette set up her own production company, Ice Glitz productions, in 2011 and has performed ice shows in Abu Dhabi, at the Bahrain Grand Prix, on a beach in the Maldives, at Red Bull’s F1 end of season party where Gary Barlow headlined, and dripping with jewellery for a Swarovski event, at London’s Natural History Museum.
She met husband Zoltan (Zoli to his friends) while they were performing ice and stunt shows respectively at a German theme park. As former National Gymnastics Champion Yvette had the idea for hosting The Hideaway Cabaret at Flip Side, as another creative outlet for their skills without having to tour so far from home. “I wanted to bring an international standard of entertainment to a local audience –a show full of global acts you might not expect to see outside Paris or London. We’ve brought a bit of sexiness and city glitz to the Ribble Valley, and I’m really proud of how it’s been received.
“Despite the logistical challenges, it’s definitely been worth it. The atmosphere of each cabaret show has a unique buzz and the feedback has been phenomenal.”
Having experienced The Hideaway Cabaret’s sultry music, moody lighting and peacock feather décor, it can be somewhat of a surprise to step into the bright and fun-filled gymnastics studio in daylight hours.
Today, toddlers bounce on an enormous trampoline and practice their tumbling skills with ‘Coach Zoli’.
Yvette smiles as she watches: “The kids love Zoli, and they get completely immersed in the atmosphere here. They just have fun from the minute they come in the door until the moment they leave.”
I’d argue you could say the same thing about the cabaret audience.
The Hideaway Cabaret is an almost monthly exclusive cabaret event that books up quickly.
For tickets go to: iceglitzproductions.com
www.thehideawaycabaret.co.uk
FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM @TheHideawayCabaret
