50 Shades of Cabaret at Proud Cabaret

I paid a visit to the new 50 Shades of Cabaret evening at Proud Cabaret in Kemptown last month. It was fascinating!

I should have realised when I received an email on the afternoon of the event from Proud Cabaret asking me to agree to the following conditions that this would not be your typical night out for dinner.

The email read:

“During the evening, guests may be subject to any or all of the following: Mild restraint (handcuffs, shackles or blindfolds) / mild physical contact and ‘punishments’ from your waiter or waitress (light spanking, drink challenges, dares etc.). ‘Punishments’ may be incurred for any reason deemed appropriate by staff. Witnessing performances of a mildly sexual/fetish themed nature. You will be required to adhere to ‘the rules’ of your table. Please note all of the above is with good intent and in no-way forces guests to participate. Guests are free to leave at any time. Guests will also be provided with a Safety word should you feel uncomfortable with your situation. At the beginning of the evening guests will be able to blow out their candle should they not wish to get involved in the show but want to watch only.”

“YOU MUST NOT TOUCH YOUR WAITER/WAITRESS AT ANY TIME.

Dress code is strictly dress to impress, and dress up is strongly encouraged – think fetish inspired/burlesque/vintage/ PVC/gothic. No casual street wear will be permitted. Toilet or cigarette breaks must be requested from a member of staff, who will grant you permission. Taking longer than the allocated time may result in a ‘punishment’ from your waiter/waitress.

What played out when we arrived at the venue was classic master slave role play. Our waitress introduced herself and then left us in no doubt who was in control of the evenings events. Her permission had to be sought to go to the toilet or to go smoking outside. If you wanted salt with your food you had to beg. All good fun until you upset her and then you were taken to the stage to be publicly spanked in front of all the other diners or committed to spend time on all fours in the cage on the stage. Our waitress was a very good mistress indeed!

You choose what to eat online before you arrive. My partner and I both chose the same food. Sweet pea and watercress soup, followed by herb crusted rack of lamb, finishing with a selection of British cheeses.

All I can say is that the food was excellent. Great soup, lamb cooked to perfection and well chosen cheeses that had been left to breath,

Very often at these type of cabaret/dinner venues the food is a bit of a let down but it certainly was not here, I would thoroughly recommend it.

The evenings entertainment started towards the end of the meal. The artists individually were very good but the show was not held together well. It went on for too long with long gaps between the artists. Tighten that up and you have a great evening out.

The meal and show cost a very reasonable £24 and the drinks were not too expensive.