Cabaret and comedy Edinburgh Free Fringe legend Sir Dickie Benson returns with his Mania Cabaret, assisted by burlesque star producer Scarlett Whispers and their line-up of artists.
“Hollywood hellraiser and Free Fringe veteran Sir Dickie Benson returns, joining forces with award-winning burlesque star and producer Scarlett Whispers, to bring you a twice-daily, riotous, eclectic mix of burlesque, magic, music and comedy that features some of the finest and most crowd-pleasing acts from across the Fringe. A fast-paced, upbeat and irresistibly entertaining variety show that blends the traditional speakeasy style of cabaret with an off-the-cuff approach and a chaotic air of ‘anything could happen… and probably will!’ It’s live, loud and interactive – with a different line-up every time!”
Where: Speakeasy at PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms
When: 8-30 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/sir-dickie-benson-s-midnight-midday-mania-cabaret
What can you tell us about your show? What is it about and where did the idea come from, and how would you sell it to audiences in one paragraph?
A truly revelrous show that has an air of chaos and ‘anything can happen’ that is quite thrilling when you’re in the room. There’s always a wide range of acts, from magic to burlesque, live music, comedy, poetry, and all manner of variety acts.
Please add a bit about it being hosted by Sir Dickie Benson!
Sir Dickie Benson: I love hosting the cab as it allows me the opportunity to watch all of my charming and talented pals perform and show them off to a packed room of fringe-goers. Also, I get to drink elaborate cocktails with them all after the show in the gorgeous Voodoo Rooms – legitimately the best venue in Edinburgh, in my humble opinion. The amount of times they’ve carried me out after I’ve passed out in one of the booths and tucked me up in the boot of the Bentley – only to welcome me back with arms wide open the following day!
Do you enjoy participating in the Fringe? And do you have any moments you particularly remember?
Scarlett Whispers: Performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is so fulfilling and inspiring. You’re just in this giant bubble of artists and creative energy which is completely magical. Joining Midnight Mania was definitely a highlight for me. I went to see the show out of interest, and I had been in another cabaret that night, so I was late and, embarrassingly, caused a commotion getting through a packed crowd with all my props. Sir Dickie Benson actually told me off in front of everyone, but then offered me a job afterwards. I did a burlesque act at the show the next day and became really good friends with Dickie and Erik – the technician who is the glue of the show. We all just clicked! Edinburgh Fringe is amazing for meeting like-minded people and finding new opportunities like this.
Sir Dickie Benson: It was fortuitous and quite absurd to be honest. I’d just had a message from an act apologising about having to drop out of a spot the following night, when in walked Scarlett with a box full of ostrich feathers, stealing the show before she was even in it! Her timing was impeccable, as ever. We got to chatting – I asked her to speak up, she asked me to stop slurring my words – It became quite clear how much she knew about cabaret and how little I knew about producing, and with that Drunk ‘n’ Whispers was born.
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
Scarlett Whispers: I’m always buzzing to be in Edinburgh during the Fringe, but I’m looking forward to seeing how the daytime show, Midday Mania, will shape up alongside the original Midnight Mania Cabaret. I’m also debuting a few new acts this year, including a Kill Bill nerdlesque act and a more family-friendly dance routine. There’s always a big difference between the first time I’ve performed a new act and the 50th time, so I’m looking forward to seeing how these refine over the festival.
Sir Dickie Benson: It’s my favourite time of the year. Ed Fringe and the cab is my favourite part of it. We have so many regular audience members who come back night after night, year after year – including the Voodoo staff on their nights off, so it really feels like a proper community. More like home than home, sometimes. The show’s always been a success with audiences, but it’s never had a proper producer – to be honest, it’s normally held together with vodka, caffeine and adrenaline. I’m over the moon to be doing it twice a day, even if I’ll be hungover for a large part of it.
What’s next for the show?
Scarlett Whispers: This year is the first time Sir Dickie Benson’s Midnight Mania Cabaret has a daytime edition, Midday Mania! We are essentially doubling the show. There was a lot of audience feedback last year that asked for a daytime cabaret, because the late shows are hard to travel back from. But it’s also an opportunity to show a different selection of artforms. Poetry and sets that require a bit more attention can go in the daytime shows, but people just want pure entertainment by midnight. We’re also branching out across the north of the UK – including Buxton and York – so the show is going further afield this year!