Club review: The Birdcage, Manchester

Chris White visits Manchester's infamous cabaret club for a night of glitz and glamour, Birdcage style.

Before paying my first visit a few days ago, Manchester’s Birdcage had been quite the mystery. I’d heard mentions of 80’s music, cabaret shows, drag queens, and an abundance of glitz and glamour. But exactly what went on there was a little obscure; certainly not obvious from the name.

In fact, The Birdcage is all those things, and a lot more. Set just outside the Printworks development (a hub of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the heart of the city) the location is perfect and easy to find.  Bright showbiz lights hint at what might await you, along with flashes of immaculately made-up drag queens and performers appearing on the video walls outside.

After a very friendly welcome from the door staff, and a paparazzi style group shot (available to purchase on your way out, obviously), you enter the main room. Dazzling is probably the best way to describe it – multi level, subtly lit art-deco style features, twinkling spotlights at every angle, endless booth seating areas, and a selection or long bars. We arrived early, around 9.30pm and the venue was all but deserted. However within about 40 minutes an array of couples, hen parties and giggling girls filled every seat in all manner of glamorous or more comical attire. Make no mistake, the clientele is predominantly female (regular appearances from the Dreamboys throughout the year would enforce this).

Before the shows kick off, the venue is essentially a nightclub. The soundtrack is pure pop from across the decades; ABBA, Madonna, Britney, etc. Ladies are invited to take to stage, including a naughty pole area at each end, before 10.30pm when your host announces that the show is about to start. The stage is cleared, lights are dimmed, huge video screens are lowered announcing the upcoming act... it’s all very dramatic, and VERY exciting!

First act is an homage to Dreamgirls; three stunning queens of varying size and stature, supported by a young and agile dance troupe.  Energetic, comedic, glamorous, exciting, the routines are highly impressive. The show lasts around six minutes, and once over the lights rise and the nightclub stage-dancing returns. The break of around 30 minutes feels ever so slightly too long, but luckily the next routine is based on Britney Spears and her recent Circus tour, my absolute favourite! A mixture of complex choreography, outlandish circus outfits, and an oversized Britney queen complete with snake (see Slave 4 U MTV VMAs 2003...), the whole thing is totally brilliant.

Very reasonably priced and offering something completely unique, The Birdcage was overall a wonderful experience. In a climate of intense nightclubs, pounding music and late night raving, The Birdcage showcases good clean fun at its best. Highly recommended – for the younger and older crowd. I will definitely be returning (If only to see the Girls Aloud and Cher cabaret acts!).

Find out more about The Birdcage here.