Last month I was invited to visit the Adonis Cabaret show at Oceana on Brighton seafront, by Davina Sparkle, the show’s Brighton host.
Since its conception in 1998, Adonis has grown into a national brand, starting as just one show in Brighton it now runs six shows throughout the country every Saturday night and a little birdie tells me that there are more on the horizon for 2014.
Adonis is the brainchild of Tristan Mills – former stripper Tristan Tristar – who has been a popular personality on the commercial gay scene in Brighton for many years.
I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about and what was different about this show, especially as over the last few years more and more gay guys have been going along to see the show as part of their stag nights.
So, off I trotted, down West Street – well…..what a welcome I received.
‘From the door until you hit the dance floor’ is their strap line and they don’t fail!
When you arrive at the entrance of Oceana, you are welcomed by paparazzi and a stilt walker – dressed as a circus ringmaster.
After entering we were escorted to the Ice House to receive our free cocktail and buffet – there’s plenty for everyone and we went back a couple of times for seconds!
The show started at 7.45pm. Davina Sparkle made ‘her’ grand entrance to rapturous applause and loud baying from the mainly female audience. Davina holds the show together – in between the individual acts – with her ‘comedy glue’ and keeps the audience entertained all night.
This is no ordinary strip night, it is a full on cabaret, sort of burlesque meets Butlins if you like, with audience participation – though not compulsory – and even a lap dance for the hen/stag.
There’s lots of free gifts – free photos and calendars for everyone, and a hat, sash and t-shirt for each hen/stag.
The guys have some brilliant routines including a drummer with UV paint, a humorous take on ‘Magic Mike’ and even Superman makes an appearance.
Over the years Adonis Cabaret have supported the gay community in Brighton & Hove by donating £2,000.00 to the Rainbow Fund who give grants to organisations providing front line services to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove.
This year they entered the Pride Gay Icons Parade for the first time with a ‘gay’ marriage car to celebrate the new gay marriage legislation. The Just Married themed car, complete with the Adonis Hunks and Drag Queens were a huge hit with the crowds especially at Muscle Beach on Preston Park and two of the guys appeared on stage with Davina in the Cabaret Tent sponsored by Legends.
Tony, from Bournemouth, who had his Stag night at Adonis Cabaret Brighton, said:
“I had the best night ever in Brighton ! Thanks to the Adonis Lads and Davina Sparkle of course for a brilliant time. I can highly recommend this show to other groups of gay ‘Stags’. Thanks so much we’ll definitely be back again for my Birthday lol”
If it’s your birthday, office party or pre-wedding celebration, Adonis should be on your list of top ten things to do when visiting Brighton & Hove.
Adonis also have shows running every Saturday night in Bournemouth, London, Newcastle, Leeds and Blackpool.
To book, CLICK HERE:
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