Cabaret for kids

Mixed billed entertainment is no longer the preserve of adults. Kids can now bring their parents along for an afternoon of cabaret. Linnéa Rundgren discovers Mish Mash cabaret for kids

Above: PIC CAPTION: Mish Mash cabaret for kids Mish Mash cabaret for kids

Cabaret is big right now. The glam crowd are heading to The Cobden Club in Kensal Road and Medium Rare in Shepherd’s Bush for a lively night of entertainment from variety acts. Now, thanks to Jon Fawcett, kids are getting in on the act. His cabaret for children, Mish Mash launched just two months ago and the second event takes place this month.

Having lived in Kilburn with his family for the last five years, Jon felt there was a need for fresh thinking on what makes a really good art event for children. Inspired by his own children, Elsa, seven, and Oscar, five, Jon decided to create a variety show format for four–11 year-olds, trying out all kinds of performances and exploring what really works well for this age group.

The first show in September certainly lived up to its name with a gypsy-style band, The Fluggarbulgars, a group of street dancers called Flawless, circus, escapology and even some Mexican Mariachis thrown in the mix. And the next one is guaranteed to be at least as enthralling, judging by Jon’s excitement. ‘Mixed bills like this are massively popular these days on the club scenes in London and Mish Mash also tunes into that,’ says Jon. ‘You might bring the family along because you like the sound of one element, and have an eye-opening time experiencing all the others.’

As a founder of CAFE London (Children’s Arts Festivals and Events London), the umbrella organization for Mish Mash, Jon plans to develop many more gigs, exhibitions and festivals with the same aim. He already has plenty of experience in the entertainment world. He started out as a DJ, before moving into theatre, comedy, live music and club nights. During a stint at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, he worked on everything from experimental theatre group Complicite to overseeing Chris Evans’ television show TFI Friday.

At this month’s Mish Mash, families will get to see the all-woman acrobatic troupe Mimbre bursting out of a rubber box, comedian Howard Read, doing a special set with his computer generated sidekick Little Howard, as well as giant live paintings and disco classics performed by the Oktoberfest Oompah Band. But perhaps most exciting, if you ask Jon, is the all-girl pop-band The Mentalists, who will be closing the show. ‘They are the sort of thing it would be almost impossible for kids to see live normally as they would only do late night and very loud venues, but the energy and buzz the band create will be spot on,’ he enthuses.

Jon believes in the benefits of getting together and experiencing ‘something real in the flesh,’ and to do it communally. The show is also meant to attract the widest possible audience from different social, ethnic and economic backgrounds. ‘I want youngsters to see the possibilities of artistic expression in lots of different ways and perhaps to build it into their own dreams and ambitions,’ he says. That way, he hopes Mish Mash will do its bit to encourage social cohesion and interaction within our communities.

Beth Cinamon, director at Westminster Arts, one of the main sponsors of the event, is excited about the idea. She is also a parent. ‘It’s very important for Westminster Arts to support high quality arts in the community and to fund programmes that have a great potential to develop,’ she says. ‘I’m sure the kids will enjoy having the chance to take their parents out!’

Mish Mash cabaret for children is on Sunday 25 November 2007 at Yaa Asantewaa Arts Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9, from 2.30pm–4.30pm. Tickets £3 children, £5 adults (or a group of four £12)

www.cafelondon.org.uk

tickets@cafelondon.org.uk