Viva Cabaret

Viva Cabaret
Genre	Comedy
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language	English
No. of series	2
No. of episodes	13
Production
Running time	45–50 mins
Original release
Network	Channel 4
Release	14 April 1993 (1993-04-14) – 24 June 1994 (1994-06-24)

Viva Cabaret is a late night comedy variety television show that aired on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom from 14 April 1993 to 24 June 1994.

The series was filmed in a sound stage in West London, with the set designed to resemble a cabaret club.[1] The programme's house band included drummer Ray Weston (of Wishbone Ash)[2] and members of Pink Floyd's touring band.[3]

The first episode, which debuted on 14 April 1993, was hosted by Tom Jones.[4] Subsequent hosts included Julian Clary, Mark Lamarr, Mike McShane, Jools Holland, Mark Thomas, Eartha Kitt, Paul O'Grady as Lily Savage, and Lee Evans.[1] Competition for slots on the show was intense, with many stars of the British alternative comedy circuit hoping to make an appearance.[5] In addition to the show's British stars, regular international guests included Americans Greg Proops and Sandra Bernhard, and Australia's Doug Anthony All Stars.[3]

References

1. Viva Cabaret! (1993–94), British Film Institute.
2. Drummer Ray Weston, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash.
3. Ferguson, Tim (2013). Carry a Big Stick. Sydney: Hachette. ISBN 9780733629358.
4. Rampton, James: TELEVISION / BRIEFING: A quiet night in on the town, The Independent, 14 April 1993.
5. Simpson, Neil (2013). Paul O'Grady – The Biography. London: John Blake Publishing. ISBN 978-1843582410.

External links

• Viva Cabaret at IMDb