Review: SABRAGE, Lafayette - May 2026
Photo credit: Matt Crockett
Sabrage is a wildly immersive blend of cabaret, comedy, circus, and chaos, making it hilariously absurd and entertaining.
Sabrage is one of those productions that is difficult to describe because it feels far more like an experience than a traditional theatre show. As soon as you enter the venue, you get the sense that you’re stepping into something unusual and immersive. The setting itself is quite extravagant, set out almost like an old estate, with hallways and multiple rooms that create an exciting and elusive atmosphere.
Before taking your seats, the audience is introduced to the “rules” of the show, which immediately signals that this will not be a conventional theatre experience. The seating is arranged cabaret-style, with tables surrounding the stage and food and drink service throughout the performance. The closeness and intimacy of the space makes the audience feel part of the show.
The performers constantly move throughout the crowd, making the experience feel immersive. The evening is hosted by Alex and George, played by Alexander Makardish and Neven Connolly respectively, who are the only speaking roles in the show. Their chemistry is fantastic. George embodies a very distinctive British humour, while Alex, who is new to the show, leans fully into a flamboyant and unapologetically French persona. The contrast between the two works brilliantly, and they bounce off each other effortlessly.
The humour throughout is chaotic, absurd, and often hilariously inappropriate at times. Alex, in particular, delivers some incredibly bold moments that are just outrageous. One performance especially, when the audience is asked not to film or photograph, ends up being one of the funniest and most shocking moments of the evening, led by Alex. George, meanwhile, brings a more self-deprecating style of comedy, using impressions, physical humour, and constant playful mocking of himself.
Audience interaction is a huge part of what makes Sabrage work so well. Performers regularly bring audience members on stage in a light-hearted and comedic way, and one particular moment involving an audience being part of Alex’s absurd performance became one of the standout moments because of how hilariously awkward it became.
The show is made up of eight performers, three male and five female, all bringing their own unique talents and specialties to the stage. Emma Phillips, who returns to the cast, delivers an astonishing foot-juggling routine while lying on the floor. Julia Stewart, who is new to the cast, performs breathtaking aerial work, while others combine singing, dance, acrobatics, and physical comedy. Kylie Rose-Webb, another new cast member, performs an astonishing act of walking with heels across bottles, which keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.
Every performer has a distinct personality that shines through their act, and it is clear how talented the entire cast is. Other returning members are Christian Nimri and Skye Ladell. This is what makes Sabrage so impressive, is that despite having no real narrative or plot, you still develop a connection with the performers as the evening progresses, as their personalities and passion come through in their act that feels more personal.
This is an absurd, chaotic, and wildly entertaining night that embraces its own ridiculousness. However, it does rely on the audience leaning into the experience. Reading the content warnings beforehand is advisable. By the end of the evening, you may find yourself covered in feathers, slightly wet, and questioning what exactly you just witnessed.
Sabrage is not your typical theatre show, and it certainly will not be for everyone. It is outrageous, interactive, and provocative, and probably not one for young children, and perhaps not the safest choice for a formal family outings. But if you’re willing to embrace the chaos, it becomes a special and unforgettable experience.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Alexandra Tullah
Sabrage is currently booking at London’s Lafayette until 6 September, with further info here.