The fourth London Cabaret award’s was a glittering collection of the most fabulous people involved in this diverse scene. Currently regarded as the most vibrant in the world. it was a joy to see so many of the leading cabaret performers under the roof of the ever glamorous Café de Paris.

Drag Queens and Burlesque dancers alike arrived to be admitted to the inner sanctum of camp. There was more glitter, wigs, amazing frocks and a multitude of cravats under one roof than in a Danny La Rue tribute show.

The evening was created by the Cabaret singer and Producer Paul L Martin and his hard working team at Excess All Areas.I have attended many awards ceremonies over the years and this I have to say was one of the best run events I have ever been to. It ran smoothly from start to finish kept to time and was interspersed by some of London’s leading acts to keep the crowd entertained.

The show opened with beautiful burlesque troupe The Folly Mixtures who were a hugely popular choice. As a trio bedecked in white and silver they set the tone of the evening with cheek and class.

The evening was hosted by the fantastic Drag artist Myra DuBois who not only kept the evening flowing in a hugely entertaining way but was obviously well known and well loved by many in attendance. The highlight of her links was her solo rendition of ‘I Know Him So Well’ where she only sang one of the parts and bought the house down.

There were 3 or 4 awards given between each act and this worked perfectly. Other acts that performed were a trio of superb comedy vocalists called Ladies GoDiva who performed a tongue in cheek song about cookery. Café de Paris regular Burlesque soloist Bettsie Bon Bon who looked amazing both in and out of her scarlett feathered outfit. A hilarious self-penned song performed by the effervescentDesmond O’Connor. The highlight for me was the speciality act Bruce Airhead who’s act included him putting his entire body into a giant green balloon while dancing to mumbo number 5 then a superb quick change effect as the balloon burst and he appeared dressed as Elvis and finished on Hound dog.

The award winners for the evening were as follows.

Best vocal performer – Alison Jiear

Best musical variety act EastEnd Cabaret

Best Drag act – Holestar

Best Host – Dusty Limits

Best Burlesque act – Miss Polly Rae

Best Speciality/circus act – Siro-A

Best Alternative performer – Twice Shy Theatre

Best newcomer – Lilly SnatchDragon

Best one off production – Drag queens of London

Best ongoing production – David Bedella & Friends

Best cabaret venue – Crazy Coqs

Audience Award – Dott Cotton

Unsung Hero award – Slim Chance

Outstanding Achievement Award – Fascinating AЇda