Deptford Cabaret Night wins Arts Council England funding to grow!

Following six seasons sharing ground-breaking works-in-progress in the Albany studio, the pioneering curators of Cabaret Playroom have been awarded an Arts Council grant to invest in a scaled up version of the event.  Cabaret Playroom: The Big One will take place in the Albany’s main space on Saturday 10 June.

Tricity Vogue and Matthew Floyd Jones. Photography: James Millar

“The night plays an invaluable role in supporting artists’ development and nurturing emerging talent, giving them the chance to experiment and try out new ideas and material in front of an audience.” said the Albany’s Artistic Director, Gavin Barlow. “We’re delighted that the work of co-curators Tricity Vogue and Lisa Lee has been recognised by the Arts Council England, who have awarded the project funding as part of their Grants for the Arts scheme.”

“The grant enables us to present the very best work from performers who’ve been involved with the night, on a grander scale, to a larger audience,” said Tricity Vogue, Cabaret Playroom’s host and co-curator. Cabaret Playroom: The Big One will showcase eight of the artists who have developed new acts at the night; established performers with an international profile, and emerging artists who took their first steps into cabaret on the Albany’s studio stage.

Andrew Pepper and Tricity Vogue. Photography: James Millar

The line-up includes: musical comedy star Matthew Floyd Jones of Frisky and Mannish, “opera reggae” musician and poet Ennè – featured on BBC Introducing, “the naked stand up” Miss Glory Pearl, and Pride’s Got Talent finalist, Lord Hicks.

Top left: Lord Hicks, top right: Miss Glory Pearl, bottom left: Matthew Floyd Jones, bottom right: Ennè. Photography: James Millar

“The Arts Council grant means we can offer mentoring time to more artists and their acts,” said producer and co-curator Lisa Lee. “We’ll be able to give directing and dramaturgical support to selected artists, to grow their acts into powerful and engaging pieces of cabaret.”

Arts Council England have awarded Cabaret Playroom a grant of up to £5,867 through their Grants For The Arts programme.

“You never know what to expect at a Cabaret Playroom night,” said cabaret blogger and queer arts activist Ben Walters. “It could be anything – from drag to divas to tap dancing clowns.”

Tricity Vogue. Photography: James Millar