Introducing the 2025 Cabaret Central Awards!
One of the most beautiful aspects of having launched Cabaret Central this year was to witness all the cabaret gorgeousness happening in the UK. But also being in the wings having important conversations regarding the state of our fragile industry.
We all know that cabarets all around the UK are struggling at the moment, which impact audiences, producers and performers. But a lot of people are making a difference and the industry is fighting hard.
So to celebrate the end of 2025, we wanted to shine a light on the change-makers of the year. And we have created 10 (slightly-silly) awards.
Note: this is by no means aimed at competing with existing awards, such as 21st Century Burlesque, who run a gorgeous award list with their Burlesque Top 50. We want to focus specifically on the UK, include other cabaret disciplines and also look at he behind-the-scenes heroes who are less often celebrated.
Votes are open until the 18th of December 11.59 pm
How does this work?
Phase 1: NOMINATIONS (1 - 10 December)
Audiences and cabaret professionals can enter their nominations for one or all of the 10 available categories.Phase 2: VOTES (11-18 December)
The top 3 nominees will be selected in each category and everyone will be able to vote for their favourite.Phase 3: WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT (19 December at 1 pm GMT)
The winners will be announced on our website and on social media on the 19th of December at 1 pm.
The categories
Most deliciously niche act (Obscure talents welcome)
Anyone who has dazzled you with an unexpected talent, a very niche reference, a character that only a few known about. Nerds, sideshows and weirdos to the front.Sharpest satire & social commentary award
Any act that left you thinking or reconsider a topic. This being politically engaged or covering social issues.The ‘Didn’t see that outfit/prop coming’ award
For the most outrageous costumes or props.Master/Mistress/Mx of mischief
Celebrating stage chaos, the messy, the untameable.One to watch award
For our rising stars, new talents and legends.The unmissable event award
For the best cabaret event of the year.Producer who makes miracles happen
To celebrate producers who are making a difference. Either by relentlessly producing incredible shows or for the ones who make everyone feel safe and cared for.Backstage legend who saves the day (tech wizard/stage manager/kitten)
Let's celebrate the ones who work in the shadows.Cabaret community trailblazer
For the ones who are pushing the industry forward. Anyone who is making a difference within the community.Champion of access & inclusivity
This could be producers who are creating inclusive and accessible spaces but also for the strongest advocates who are moving the industry forward.
Why should I participate?
First of all, you should participate because you adore in the world of cabaret and want to join the celebration.
But we also have two surprises! We will pick one winner at random out of all the people who have placed a nomination, and another winner as part of the voters. They will respectively receive a little surprise at the end of the process!
What do the award winners get?
Well, recognition, mainly...
Each winner will have their name and photo on Cabaret Central (website and social media)
If they are up for it, we will also do a little profile on each person at the beginning of 2026
A few rules
One entry/vote per email address
You can't nominate nor vote for yourself
Participants need to sign-up to our newsletter
You can't nominate Cabaret Central nor Beta Von Glitch. (I know I am great and Cabaret Central us fabulous, but this is about celebrating others!)
Votes are open until the 18th of December 11.59 pm