The advertising for the CabaBabaRave show highlights how the cabaret was created by two mothers who were “constantly looking to be entertained whilst holding a baby in one hand and a pint in the other”. They also wanted to create a big London night out experience that would be appropriate for parents and their babies. The promotional material for the show at the Fox and Firkin, Lewisham, adds, “There’s only so many times you can listen to the f****** Wheels on the Bus.”
The organizers of the event have had to set their social media profiles to private after receiving a “horrific trolling attack”. They emphasized that their shows are specifically curated for their audiences, and the shows for young babies are aimed more at the parents, who are often new mothers on maternity leave looking for a much-needed break.
The organizers also drew comparisons to “parent and baby showings” at cinemas and other adult-led events where parents can bring their babies along. They argued that cabaret is a fantastic medium for showcasing diverse and inclusive performances, including those from drag, trans, and non-binary performers.
The CabaBabaRave show has a sold-out event at The Vaults in Waterloo, south-east London, on March 11, with further events scheduled to take place until the end of May. The controversy surrounding the show has sparked a debate about what is appropriate for young children and whether parents should be held responsible for exposing their children to inappropriate content.
