Cabaret by Gigi Giannella
The Borough Hall played host to cabarets as early as 1994, and under the artistic curation of Kat Bridge – whilst she was a producer and also artistic director – a family-focused version was also introduced. Her format played to the Borough Hall’s strengths and the events were always well attended. The ability to move around and watch bite-sized pieces of dance appealed particularly to families and Greenwich Dance’s current CEO was one of those who frequented them.
“I used to love the family cabarets and brought my little ones down often. It was the kind of event I felt I could invite ‘non dance’ audiences to as you could move around, walk to the bar… if there was a piece of dance they didn’t like it didn’t matter – it was short and the next piece would soon be on. It broke free of the conventions of a theatre space and I remember thinking that was awesome, fresh and so inclusive. I remember one night coming out on a double date night with my husband and some friends and watching my friend laugh until her belly hurt at one of the comedy circus acts. That night is up there in my ‘best night out’ category. When I worked at Sadler’s Wells in the education department we also all came along for a team night out. It was great. The ability to unpack your own table picnic was also a really attractive element.
Hakeem Onibudo and the young people of 'Divercity'. Photo: Roswitha Chesher
In 2012, I was honoured to be asked by the team to produce ‘Divercity’ – a version of a cabaret curated by a group of young people. I loved the whole experience. Working with them to decide what pieces to programme, what to serve (popcorn I seem to remember was popular), creating the marketing together and deciding what pre-show activities would be available. I also worked closely with Hakeem Onibudo to support some young comperes. Lee Griffiths (who later went on to found Artists 4 Artists) had been partnered with Hakeem to work with St Ursula’s School to make a piece which would be part of the line up too. When I joined the organisation again in 2018 as CEO, Impact Dance were still working with St Ursula’s in a relationship which had been developed over all of that time.
Lee Griffiths. Photo: Roswitha Chesher
Amanda Davey and Kat Bridge. Photo: Roswitha Chesher
I also remember watching Kat and Amanda with awe. On the day they were on the mezzanine level building the exhibition, literally drills in hand, and I remember thinking that they modelled exceptional leadership – being willing to get stuck in and roll their sleeves up amongst us all.”
Melanie Precious, CEO and Creative Director, Greenwich Dance, 2018 to present.
