Saucebox! Puts Derby’s Emerging Cabaret Talent Centre Stage

Derby’s cabaret scene is getting a brand new showcase this October as Bad Flower Burlesque launches Saucebox!, an evening dedicated to putting local performers firmly in the spotlight. Taking place at Derby Theatre Studio on Sunday 11 October, the show will be hosted by Derby’s queen of burlesque Fleur du Mal and brings together emerging artists and more established performers from across Derby and Derbyshire.

The idea behind Saucebox! is simple: give local talent a stage and somewhere to experiment. For some performers, that will mean taking their first steps in front of an audience, while more established names will have the opportunity to try out new material and show off something a little different. It should make for a varied night too, with singing, contemporary dance, stand-up comedy, burlesque, drag, circus arts and magic all forming part of the showcase.

Rather than building the night around one particular style of performance, Saucebox! is designed to show just how broad Derby’s cabaret and creative scene actually is. Grassroots culture in the city stretches well beyond bands playing in pubs and music venues, with performers working across comedy, dance, drag, cabaret and other disciplines who need spaces to develop their craft and find new audiences.

That makes Saucebox! as much about discovery as it is entertainment. You might see somebody performing for one of their first audiences alongside an established local artist trying something completely new. For anyone interested in digging a little deeper into Derby’s creative scene, it offers the chance to discover a new favourite local performer and support them from the beginning.

Saucebox! takes place at Derby Theatre Studio on Sunday 11 October 2026. The show begins at 7pm and is strictly for audiences aged 18 and over. Tickets are avalible at the link below: https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/saucebox/

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