Not Yours Cabaret has come to Brighton Fringe 2025 from May 28 to June 1 at The Circus Yard. I was lucky enough to see its opening night, and witness first hand the poignant, sexy and downright jaw-dropping talent from the incredible troupe of artists, creators and performers. From the unsettlingly captivating ‘Drag Thing’ Goblin, to the stunning acrobatics of Nora Ireland, this was an unforgettable and empowering night full of emotion, thrills and catharsis.
Please be aware both the show and this review include references to sexual violence.
The Venue
Revel Puck Circus has been based at The Level as part of the Brighton Fringe from May 1 to June 2. Open every day from 11am, the Circus Yard has been hosting an array of family-friendly circus and storytelling events, immersive theatre performances and stunningly sexy late-night cabaret. The Circus Yard is home to two impressive venues: Big Puck, a 500-capacity Big Top tent, with tiered audience seating, and Little Puck, a 200-capacity Big Top.
Outside, a food truck served up Mexican street food, offering nachos, tacos, quesadillas and burritos with toppings like chipotle-lemon chicken, tequila-bbq pork, refried beans and roasted squash, and bbq jackfruit, all served with salsa, cheese and sour cream. For something to sip alongside, the PucksBar offers outdoor covered seating, including vintage sofas, under a glitterball and fairy lights.
The Vibe
Through storytelling, drag routines and aerial acrobatics, Not Yours Cabaret compellingly explores what happens after a sexual assault, from the initial shock, and the day-to-day struggle, to the light at the end of the tunnel, and the all-important community support of other survivors and advocates. Roisin Crowley Linton has carefully and thoughtfully crafted this Cabaret experience, through discussion with survivors of sexual violence, determined to create a piece of theatre that authentically speaks to what survivors wish to see portrayed. Expect moments of vulnerability and poignance, as well as sassy, funny and whoop-worthy performances.
Nora Ireland, Goblin and Lady Lazarus’ performances beautifully showcased the power and strength survivors show, while embodying the incredible confidence, sexiness and friendship that can still be part of life. We are guided well through their acts by Roisin, who shows openness and commitment to uplifting survivors voices, in her own storytelling, and her own performance, with moments of hilarity and real emotional depth.
The Verdict
Not Yours Cabaret movingly and effectively portrays that there is no one ‘correct’ response to a sexual assault. It captures the diverse range of both deeply challenging and beautifully inspiring life experiences which can come into your life afterwards. Survivors, advocates and anyone who loves a good cabaret will find something that resonates at Not Yours Cabaret, on until June 1.
Address: The Level, Union Road, Brighton BN2 3HA
Tickets: Brighton Fringe
