Whisper it quietly, but even the theatre world hankers after some high-class cabaret action now and then.

This week sees the start of the Hightide Festival in Aldeburgh. Ostensibly a celebration of all things dramatic, this annual festival of new plays takes place over ten days on the Suffolk Coast. Its mission is “to support theatre-makers to say something different, by allowing them the time and the resources to create something that is outside of the norm.” So, nothing to see here for fans of cabaret, right?

Wrong. So, so wrong. Amidst the legion of luvvies and grads from RADA, Italia Conti et al emoting for all they are worth, there will be some rather delectable shows. Here are our top tips of what to catch and when.


Bourgeois & Maurice: How To Save The World Without Really Trying

If there is a lyrically sharper and fiercer dressed musical act than this iconoclastic duo, we’ll eat your hat. With song topics ranging from societal intolerance and media privacy to the impossibility of modern love, there is never a dull moment with these two. From their new show, here’s their latest catchy number.

Bourgeois & Maurice: How To Save The World Without Really Trying. Friday 9 September, 10pm


St James Theatre Cabaret Nights

Dominic Ferris and Martin Milnes are a unique combination who have played to sold-out houses in London’s St James Theatre. Dominic is a pianist extraordinaire; Martin has “two voices”. Together, they explore the American songbook in their own particular fashion. Here’s a studio version of their number performed live at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in “Hey, Old Friends!” An 85th Birthday Tribute to Stephen Sondheim.

St James Theatre Cabaret Nights. Friday 16 September, 7pm


The Ruby Dolls: The Brides Of Bluebeard

The critically-acclaimed quartet (above) bring their brand new show to Hightide Festival before a London run. An updated version of a classic tale, expect chuckles and tunes both original and lovingly borrowed from the likes of Nick Cave, Amy Winehouse and Rage Against The Machine.

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The Ruby Dolls: The Brides Of Bluebeard. Friday 16 September, 8.30pm


Roulston & Young: Songs For Lovers (And Other Idiots)

Winners of the Best Musical Variety Act at the London Cabaret Awards, this scintillating pairing of Sarah-Louise Young and Michael Roulston will be playing numbers from two of their shows Songs For Cynics and Two Faced.  From the first of those shows, here is the hilarious Please Don’t Hand Me Your Baby.

Roulston & Young: Songs For Lovers (And Other Idiots). Saturday 7 September, 8:30pm


Full information on the Hightide Festival can be found on the official website.