If you've been following Stage to Page for a while, you'll know how much we adore cabaret, and think it's one of the most underrated genres in the world of theatre. So what better way to celebrate the Christmas season than a Christmas themed cabaret? It was my first visit to the Phoenix Arts Club in central London, and after the evening I had, it certainly won't be the last.

Unlike other cabaret venues I've visited, the space is incredibly intimate and for this reason, the show feels far more personal. I wasn't sure how cabaret would work in such an intimate setting, but if anything, it simply enhances the magic.

There's no dress code for the evening, but you are encouraged to dress to impress - even if it's just the Santa hat provided for every guest. This comes alongside a Christmas cracker on each table. There's gourmet pizza available to purchase throughout the evening, as well as other nibbles. The food, along with the drinks, were extremely reasonably priced for London.

Our host for the evening was the incredible Michael Twaits who had the audience in the palm of his hand from his opening performance of "One Night Only". While he spent the evening entertaining and introducing showstopping cabaret artists, he was the true highlight of the show for me. Quick-witted, brilliant one-liners, and an all-round sensational performer. 

One aspect of the cabaret I adored was the participation encouraged from the audience. You could send in requests to Michael to perform throughout the evening and it felt as though we had control of the evening, which was fantastic. Guest choices throughout the evening were songs from Les Misérables, Six the Musical, Kylie Minogue, Kate Bush, Grease - and a sensational rendition of Bonnie Tyler's, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" on an aerial hoop. With Sarah Rose on the keys, they made an unstoppable duo. 

The standout artist of the evening was Cleo Pantha, who dazzled with two performances. If you only see one act this festive season, I urge you to see Cleo's Christmas dinner burlesque, which closes with Cleo being covered in gravy. She somehow manages to combine sexiness and silliness in a way that shouldn't work, but absolutely does.

Freddie Love wow'ed with an operatic version of "Unholy" by Sam Smith which was ridiculously fantastic, and Sebastian Angelique's burlesque fire routine to James Bond was breathtakingly hot (excuse the pun!).

The evening ended with a downpour of indoor snow and a tribute to the late Shane McGowan with a gorgeous cover of Fairytale of New York. The atmosphere was charged, and only got more intense as the evening went on. If you're looking for a night of festive fun and a variety of talent, All I Want for Christmas is Cabaret is the show for you.

You can book tickets to All I Want for Christmas is Cabaret at the Phoenix Arts Club, here.