When foreigners (IE non Londoners) ask me at parties why I live in London, I tell them it’s for the culture. “There are so many fantastic plays, museums and interesting people,” is the standard reply.

The truth for most workaholic urbanites is that in between sleeping in front of the TV after work, obligatory pub visits and dopey weekends, there’s no time left for “Culture”.

However, there are some events that demand a slot in anyone’s schedule. Finger in the Pie’s Cabaret is one of them. Set in the heart of Soho, this monthly soiree brandishes a line up eclectic enough to give even the most hardened big smoke resident a twinkle in their eye.

This month’s offerings included a “yogic builder”, resident compere Vixen DeVille and Black Sheep’s array of outfits – ranging from a Jesus costume to a dancing bear get up. All this, plus lashings of burlesque and music.

The comedy on offer is a mixed bag – with half the acts having some great ideas up their sleeve (a singing, over plastic surgified, tarty Russian woman anyone?) but a lack of pizzazz to back them up.

However, two acts stood out: the mum-with-a-guitar comedian Liz Bentley, and the wonderfully twisted duo Black Sheep (pictured). Black Sheep had it all: a dancing bear who refused to dance, a sketch which questioned the point of improvisation without being pretentious and an ad man who tried to sell Saga holidays with the line “warm her up before she goes”.

Liz Bentley must tell the best grumpy mum jokes out there. Accompanied by a mini guitar, lines such as “I predict a diet”, and “gout – let it all out” had the audience giggling like mad men. Her ditty about being in love with her son’s primary school teacher was also a winner.

Of course, cabaret isn’t cabaret without magic and titillation. Such highlights included the burlesque poet/songstress Patsy G String and some great interval card tricks from the Fantastic Keiron Kirkland.

Finger in the Pie’s Cabaret is a perfect way to spend your Sunday evening and deter the Monday blues. It’s time to give your remote the night off and feed your brain some old fashioned entertainment!

Finger in the Pie Cabaret @ Madame Jojo's, Soho, London, 2 March 2008

By Holly Falconer

Photo: Holly Falconer