After enjoying White Mischief so much in March, I returned this weekend to see what they’d come up with for Halloween.

The steampunk extravaganza had a great line-up of entertainment including comedian Nina Conti, singer David McAlmont and neo-burlesque artist Empress Stah.

I was happily surprised that my very favourite cabaret entertainer Dusty Limits was hosting the evening. As usual, he had the best make up, songs and jokes and almost made me want the main acts off the stage so I could see more of him!

We also had lots of fun watching Mac Abbe et le Zombi Orchestra, meeting a man-eating plant and dancing to a few golden oldies in the Devil’s Dance room.

So what did my fellow White Mischief-goers think of the night?

“What a great evening. I was amazed by the effort that everyone had put into their costumes. Imagination was certainly not in short supply.  I’ll definitely be back. Well done White Mischief!”
Gillian, 29, Herne Hill

“White Mischief wins! Fabulous night, loved the costumes and the varied wacky entertainment, didn’t love the sore feet from too much dancing.”
Nic, 31, Shoreditch

“A good time had by all. Full marks to the David Bowie impersonator for his costume.”
Ben, 28

“Any Halloween event that promises a “Zombi Orchestra” is clearly looking to make a big impact, and White Mischief didnt disappoint. The evening had a great atmosphere and some brilliant live acts, and was really made by the effort that guests went to with fancy dress. There can’t be many events where David Bowie can be found cavorting next to a zebra….” Sarah, 27, Essex

What did you do for Halloween?

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Twisted Cabaret, a variety show focusing on the dark side of cabaret, at Bush Hall. Wasn’t cabaret dark enough already? Well, no, it turns out there was plenty I hadn’t seen before.

So I sat down to two and a half hours of the weird and wonderful. From a light bulb-crunching burlesque dancer to a fire-eating fishman.

I winced as Vivid Angel hammered nails into her nose, chuckled at Spencer Maybe‘s boy burlesque (Dracula doing a striptease), was wowed by headliner Empress Stah‘s aerial acrobatics and silently prayed not to be chosen to go on stage for Ophelia Bitz‘s rather fruity song!

Host Dusty Limits was on fine form as always (though I noticed even he watched some of the acts through his hands!) The lovely old Bush Hall with its chandeliers and Victorian fittings was the perfect venue for this show (apart from when the roof started to leak but it was pouring outside).

Twisted Cabaret was a good start to the spooky month of October – it would be even better if they put this on over Halloween weekend.

Twisted Cabaret was on for two nights at the Bush Hall but you can find lots more cabaret and burlesque listings on our main site.