OUTSTANDING PROGRAMME OF LIVE PERFORMANCES FOR HEADLINED BY BERNIE DIETER’S BERLIN UNDERGROUND
Opening 1 July – 26 September, Cavendish Square W1G 0PU
Today, Underbelly Festival announces a spectacular programme of cabaret, circus, comedy, variety, podcasts, and family shows for the Spiegeltent at its brand-new home in Cavendish Square. The festival will have all the ingredients for a perfect summer day and night out in the heart of Central London’s Oxford Street District with a sumptuous array of street food and summer outdoor bars.
Headlining this year’s festival is the hilarious new cabaret and an essential London summer night out, Bernie Dieter’s Berlin Underground. In its European premiere, be transported to Bernie’s underground cabaret club where some of the world’s best cabaret acts will take you on a journey from edge of your seat thrills to total hysterics and back again in a matter of moments.
TuckShop, the home of UK drag and creators of iconic Underbelly Festival favourites such as Spice Gals and Gals Aloud, as well as West End hit Death Drop, return to the festival with a brand new interactive and unforgettable retro drag show inspired by everyone’s favourite decade, The Sickening 90s Drag Prom. Additionally, audiences will be treated to a series of late night Saturday shows and afterparties that will have everyone feeling like a Prom Queen. As a special one off event, Tuckshop will also open the festival with a raucous variety night of drag and campery.
Other legendary artists include the king of improvised comedy hip-hop, Abandoman, bringing a high-tech performance that sees his off-the-cuff adventures enhanced by green-screen technology. Joining him in the programme are pop parodists’ par-excellence Frisky & Mannish with the final chance to see their hilarious and sensational Pop Lab, and cabaret collective The Cocoa Butter Club, who will showcase a brand-new burlesque extravaganza flaunting the talents of the best queer performers of colour in the city.
Underbelly Festival will continue to deliver the very best family entertainment for all ages. Included in its varied family programme is the brilliantly funny and Edinburgh Festival Fringe mega hit Hotel Paradiso, from Guinness World Record holders Lost in Translation whose dynamic, theatrical, and contemporary circus skills will have everyone amazed.
CBBC legends and Crackerjack presenters Sam & Mark will be making their Underbelly Festival debut with On The Road Show. Legend of the silver screen, Basil Brush, will return to Underbelly Festival with his smash hit Family Fun Show as well as his infamous show for grown-ups only, Unleashed, ensuring a little Boom! Boom! mischief and mayhem will ensue across the square.
Family favourites also joining the fun include beloved comedy star Jarred Christmas, teaming up with loop station world champion Hobbit to present the Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show. West End improv favourites The Showstoppers return with a marvellous musical adventures for kids; stand-up for all ages at Comedy Club 4 Kids; legendary beatboxer and musician Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids; comedian, musician and YouTube sensation Jay Foreman and the original dance party for the whole family Baby Loves Disco.
Cabaret and variety stars adding to this unrivalled programme include world class magician Magical Bones, the comedy connoisseurs of high-class libations The Thinking Drinkers, vintage jazz glamour from Miss Kiddy and the Cads and Funny Gals, the new show from musical comedy superstar and acclaimed lyricist Vikki Stone, and West End sensation Natasha Barnes.
And there is more; a one night extravaganza from Denim star and Diary of a Drag Queen author Crystal Rasmussen singing the greats, gender diverse pan-Asian cabaret collective Bitten Peach, zany cabaret BONKERS!, spectacle of non-binary finery The Enby Show and Bernie Dieter in Konzert, her intimate solo show, a riotous hour of music with her Haus band.
Comedy superstars descending on Underbelly Festival include Zoe Lyons’ greatest hits plus unseen material, star of last year’s Royal Variety Show Daliso Chaponda with the greatest of his greatest hits, musical comedy phenomena duo Harry and Chris, Goodbear with their Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated show Dougal and Fringe favourites Scummy Mummies, finding the funny in the highs and lows of parenting. For one night only join Jarlath Regan for a live on-stage version of the online comedy club Return of the Craic and don’t miss London’s favourite queer women and non-binary comedy collective The LOL Word, for an hilarious night with special guests.
Underbelly Festival has become the live home of some of the country’s finest podcasts in recent years and this year is no exception. Nobody Panic sees acclaimed comedians Tessa Coates and Stevie Martin tackle life’s big problems, Brett Goldstein (recently acclaimed for his role as writer and star of hit Apple comedy Ted Lasso) presents cult classic Films to be Buried With; Hannah George, Catie Wilkins and Taylor Glenn seek justice in Drunk Women Solving Crime and James Barr and Dan Hudson appear in A Gay and a NonGay ,an absurdly simple but hilarious show. Jessica Fostekew welcomes comedy legend Jo Brand and other guests to discuss eating in a live show of Hoovering all whilst sharing delicious treats.
In addition to this unparalleled summer programme of live entertainment in a fantastic new setting in Cavendish Square, Underbelly Festival offers affordable ticket prices and shows that run for an hour on average (with no intervals), in a performance venue that can be easily adapted to incorporate any necessary social distancing measures or other health safeguards should they be required.
Underbelly Festival will be supporting Westminster City Council’s Inside Out festival, which is a way for visitors to the West End to rediscover the vibrant arts and culture scene through open air performances, outdoor exhibitions, and installations in a bid to attract visitors back to the West End to enjoy London’s cultural and hospitality offerings safely. Inside Out is hoping to run from August to October 2021.
Underbelly directors Ed Bartlam and Charlie Wood said:
“Underbelly Festival is a sure sign that summer is round the corner and it feels like we’ve been waiting for this one for a long time so it’s extra special to be announcing such a brilliant programme of live comedy, cabaret, variety, podcasts and family entertainment. Our fantastic new home is a stone’s throw from both the West End and Soho and Bernie’s Berlin Underground, with its roll call of world class performers, embodies everything is great about both iconic parts of London. There’s entertainment here for all ages, at affordable prices, in a wonderful atmospheric setting and one that’s easily adaptable to comply with any public health regulations should we need them. Come and visit us in our new home – see a show, have some food, and enjoy the London summer!
Tickets will go on sale at underbellyfestival.com from Monday 17 May, 9am. * Tickets purchased through underbellyfestival.com are subject to a £1.50 booking fee.
As part of an exclusive Today Tix pre-sale, tickets for every show will be available from just £15, running 13 – 16 May. Access at www.todaytix.com or via the Today Tix App.
Event is subject to planning and licensing application
/Ends
For media enquiries please contact Dee McCourt / 07803 726 543 or Rachel Wingate / 07807 354540 at Borkowski: underbelly@borkowski.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
Underbelly Festival, Cavendish Square
1 July – 26 September, Cavendish Square W1G 0PU
Facebook – Underbelly Festival
Insta – UnderbellyFest
Twitter – UnderbellyFest
Website (and to subscribe to the Underbelly newsletter) – www.underbellyfestival.com
PODCAST
A Gay and A NonGay’s Big Gay Show!
Genre: Podcast
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 10 September
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Drunk Women Solving Crime
Genre: Podast
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 17 September
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Films to Be Buried With with Brett Goldstein – Live
Genre: Podcast
Time: 5pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 3 July
Ticket Prices: £17.50 (£16.00)
Hoovering Podcast Live with Jessica Fostekew and mega guests Jo Brand and MORE
Genre: Podcast
Time: 5pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 17 July
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Nobody Panic – Live
Genre: Podcast
Time: 5pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 28 August
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
MUSICAL COMEDY
Abandoman: Hotline
Genre: Musical Comedy
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 9 & 10 July
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Frisky & Mannish: PopLab
Genre: Musical Comedy
Time: 7.30pm (Fri – Sat), 7pm (Sun)
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 24 – 26 September
Ticket Prices: £20.00 (£18.50)
Funny Gals – Vikki Stone & Natasha Barnes
Genre: Musical Comedy
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 14 July
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
COMEDY
Basil Brush: Unleashed Volume 2
Genre: Comedy
Time: 7.30pn
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 18 September
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Daliso Chaponda: Live
Genre: Comedy
Time 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 21 July
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Goodbear: Dougal
Genre: Comedy
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 15 July
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Harry and Chris
Genre: Comedy
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 8 September
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Return of the Craic
Genre: Comedy
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 25 September
Ticket Prices: £17.50 (£16.00)
The LOL Word
Genre: Comedy
Time: 5pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 18 September
Ticket Prices: £13.50 (£12.00)
The Scummy Mummies Show
Genre: Comedy
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 1 September
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
The Thinking Drinkers: Pub Quiz
Genre: Comedy
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 16 July
Ticket Prices: £17.50 (£16.00)
Zoe Lyons
Genre: Comedy
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 10 July
Ticket Prices: £17.50 (£16.00)
FAMILY
Baby Loves Disco
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 10 July, 25 September
Ticket Prices: £10.00 (£35 Family Ticket)
Comedy Club 4 Kids
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 24 August, 26 September
Ticket Prices: £12.50 (£11.00)
Basil Brush’s Family Fun Show
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 18 September
Ticket Prices: £12.50 (£11.00)
Hotel Paradiso
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 17 & 18 July, 24 & 25 July, 29 July – 1 August, 3 August – 5 August
Ticket Prices: Tickets from £12.50
Jay Foreman’s Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 31 August
Ticket Prices: £12.50 (£11.00)
Sam & Mark’s On The Road Show
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 7 & 8 August, 10 – 14 August
Ticket Prices: Tickets from £12.50
Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 15 August, 19 September
Ticket Prices: £12.50 (£11.00)
The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 11 July
Ticket Prices: £12.50 (£11.00)
The Showstoppers’ Kids Show
Genre: Family
Time: 2pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 3 & 4 July, 4 & 5 September
Ticket Prices: £13.50 (£12.00)
CABARET
Bernie Dieter’s Berlin Underground
Genre: Cabaret
Time: 7.30pm (Tues – Sat), 7pm (Sun) & 9.15pm (Sat)
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 28 July – 29 August
Ticket Prices: Tickets from £13.50
Bernie Dieter in Konzert
Genre: Cabaret
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 10 September
Ticket Prices: £17.50 (£16.00)
BONKERS!
Genre: Cabaret
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 9 September
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Crystal Sings the Greats
Genre: Cabaret
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 3 July
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
Tales from the Bitten Peach
Genre: Cabaret
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spigeltent
Dates: 21 & 22 September
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
The Cocoa Butter Club
Genre: Cabaret
Time: 7.30pm (Fri) & 9.15pm (Sat)
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 17 & 18 September
Ticket Prices: Tickets from £17.50
The Enby Show
Genre: Cabaret
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 31 August
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
MAGIC
Magical Bones: Live & Direct
Genre: Magic
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 27 August
Ticket Prices: £15.50 (£14.00)
MUSIC
Miss Kiddy and the Cads – Vintage Takeover!
Genre: Music
Time: 9.15pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 3 September
Ticket Prices: £17.50 (£16.00)
DRAG
The Sickening 90’s Drag Prom
Genre: Drag
Time: 7.30pm (Thurs – Sat), 7pm (Sun) & 9.15pm (Sat)
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 22 – 25 July and 2 – 5 September
Ticket Prices: Tickets from £17.50
The TuckShop LIVE
Genre: Drag
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: The Spiegeltent
Dates: 1 July
Ticket Prices: £17.50 (£16.00)
