Chat Noir!
As soon as you arrive, you are ushered through a heavily-curtained corridor to find a beautifully stylised 1890s Paris cabaret club, setting the tone before you’ve even had a sip of anything questionable. From the outset, the immersion is strong: performers greet you in character, the pianist provides ambience with French classical pieces, and the staff are so attentive you half expect them to know your backstory.
The staging is cleverly done. A central band, side platforms, and thoughtful lighting mean there’s barely a bad seat in the house. As the evening slips into candlelight, the room softens into something far more intimate, equal parts romance and ‘this could escalate at any moment.’ The set design deserves credit.. it’s detailed enough to feel transportive without tipping into theme-park territory.
The performances from the talented cast are full of energy and commitment. The script, however, has a fondness for melodrama that occasionally borders on parody - whether intentionally or not is part of the mystery. Narrative clarity isn’t really the point here; the show unfolds more like an absinthe-fuelled spiral than a neat beginning–middle–end. If you’re searching for a tidy plot, you may leave with more questions than answers (and possibly a slight emotional hangover).
Musically, it’s a strong offering. The opera singer is a standout and a silent film-inspired segment is both inventive and charming, albeit a tad too long? The variety of acts keeps things lively, though the choreography sometimes plays it safer than the setting invites. In a world this indulgent, you want the movement to be just a bit more reckless and anarchic.
The cast consists of Joe Morrow as Rodolphe Salis, Issy Wroe Wright as the Muse, Coco Belle as the Dancer, Alexander Luttley as the Mime
and Neil Kelso as the Magician. Also keeping the atmosphere alive were the heavily featured musicians Guy Button, Peteris Sokolovskis, Alex Ullman, Will Fry and Áine McLoughlin.
The main issue lies in structure. The two acts feel mismatched, with the second losing momentum where it should be building to something bigger. A reshuffle might help prevent the energy from drifting off for a quiet lie-down.
Overall, it’s an atmospheric, visually rich night that leans into decadence, absurdity, and a rebellious chaos. Not flawless, but certainly memorable. If you like your dinner served with a side of mischief and a plot that may or may not exist, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
This show was reviewed on the 28th April 2026 at the Lost Estate, London where it runs until the 31st July 2026. Tickets available here: CHAT NOIR! London’s Secret 1890s Cabaret Experience
Review written by Lauren Atkinson
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Photo credit: Nick Ray
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