Deb Carr
2 min
The Birdcage Sydney
84 Union Street Pyrmont
Saturday nights
Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP
Sydney has a new cabaret and burlesque venue.
The Birdcage Sydney is purporting to recreate the glitz, glam and sophistication of the 1920s, a truly challenging ambition in this day and age. The three course dinner, the feathers, the showgirls, the champagne, and the cabaret acts were all there.
Talented singer Robyn Loau, opened the show with All That Jazz and provided segués between the acts with such classics as Puttin’ On The Ritz, Rum Coca Cola and Carmen Miranda’s I Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi I Like You Very Much.
There were burlesque acts featuring the award-winning Diesel Darling, Ivy Mystique and the statuesque Porcelain Alice who did a spot featuring a live python. The low-hanging aerial hoop routine was impressive, especially up close; so close that I almost took a stiletto heel to the face.
The three-course meal was interesting. The Shared Starter Platter included Crushed Edamame, Jalapeño Guacamole, Crispy Mozzarella & Saffron Risotto Balls, Treacle-Cured Salmon and Organic Olives.
One main was Slow Roast Duck Leg, Whipped Carrots, Pickled Eschalots, and the other was Herb & Fennel Porchetta, Crackling, Apple Relish and Green Herb Caper Sauce.
One Shared Side was Roast Carrots, Pomegranate, Pistachio, Mint Yoghurt, another was Chilled Green beans with fennel, hazelnut and tarragon, and the third was Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes with parmesan and thyme.
The desserts were Soft Centred Chocolate Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream and Cointreau Orange and Rum & Banana Semifreddo, Chocolate Mousse, Banana Fritter, Salted Fudge and Praline.
So did The Birdcage Sydney recreate the atmosphere of the 1920s or even Chequers Nightclub or the Silver Spade Room?
There’s really no comparison. In those days, people wore suits to nightclubs, not jeans with shirts out, and there were no mobile phones constantly being used during the performances. This is more a nod to the nightclub era than a recreation.
That said, for $89 per person, The Birdcage Sydney represents excellent value for groups and couples, considering that you get a three-course dinner, champagne and the show. It’s a good night out.