Dinner Show
... or dinner and a show all in one!
How can one simultaneously attend a performance as an audience member and have dinner? The answer is a genre that can only be seen in pre-war films in Hungary, where a performance takes place, and the audience eats and drinks at tables while enjoying the show.
In the 21st century, the genre is called Dinner Show, meaning dinner show, dinner cabaret.
What is a Dinner Show?
A Dinner Show is a sit-down dinner where, between the serving of each course, the audience can enjoy performances by comedians, acrobats, dancers, and singers. It's important to note that with the Dinner Show, the viewer remains seated in one location.
What is Dinner and Show?
For Dinner and Show, guests first have dinner at tables, then move to the theater hall to watch the performance.
In 2019 and 2020, the Budapest Varieté was at the Danube Palace, meaning it was a Dinner and Show.
Dinner Show Traditions in Germany: Mirror Tent
Dinner shows are such a well-known and popular form of entertainment in Germany that several chains have sprung up, such as Teatro and Palazzo.
In Germany, A Palazzo receives guests in so-called mirror tents (Spiegeltent). These mirror tents are canvas-roofed tents with an aluminum structure, measuring 7-8 meters in height and 25-30 meters in diameter, with wooden sides and mirrors covering the interior. The tent can be excellently heated even in winter, so performances can be held comfortably even in sub-zero temperatures. Boxes can also be placed in the tent, and larger tents even have boxes.
The stage is located in the center of the circular tent, but sometimes the central stage is supplemented by another stage on one side.
The central element of the Dinner Show is the dinner itself, which is associated with the name of a renowned chef.
A Dinner Show Schedule
The show and dinner will be kicked off by the host, who is a comedian or possibly a singer.
It usually starts with a welcome to the audience, followed by an introductory dance performance. At the end of the dance, the appetizer is announced and brought in by waiters in a specific choreography. After the guests have finished the appetizer, a 30-40 minute block follows with dance, music, acrobatic acts, a magician, and a comedian. Another course follows the show block, and then the courses and show blocks alternate. After the dessert, the grand finale takes place. The special feature of the Dinner Show is its unique atmosphere, which also stems from the venue's design. The audience feels fully immersed in the production, as the acrobats perform their jumps up close, and the magician, juggler, and singer work right beside them. The performers can enter the central stage from multiple directions.
Dinner Show Programs
The position of the stage also determines what kind of performances can be featured in a show. If the performance allows, the act can even be performed in 360 degrees. Just imagine what a special charm it adds to the act when the illusionist performs magic right before our eyes or the quick-change artist changes outfits in a flash! (We only think we'll figure it out.)
When it comes to artistic productions, ceiling height can be a bottleneck, but it's not a foregone conclusion.
Budapest Varieté: Dinner and Show
Hungary is still awaiting the technical infrastructure that would allow tables and service to be in the same space where artists, performers, and dancers also present their acts. However, who knows what this revived genre will evolve into if the dear audience takes a liking to the Dinner and Show genre?
A true Dinner Show at Spirit Hotel with the stars of Budapest Varieté!
The Budapest Varieté's internationally renowned troupe also performed their “Dinner and Show” program in a true, seated “Dinner Show” format! The event was hosted by the Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa. The lineup of performers was slightly modified, as the technical conditions (room ceiling height) did not allow for the trampoline acrobats and aerialists to perform. However, these acts were replaced with other high-quality performances. The sold-out Dinner Show concluded with great success at the Spirit Hotel and will be repeated in 2021! Hungary's first true Dinner Show!
Click: More photos from the Spirit Hotel Dinner Show
The creators of Budapest Varieté, Sebastian and Kristina, at Dinner Shows.
It's no coincidence that the producers and managers of the Budapest Varieté know so much about this special branch of show business: they themselves were artists performing in countless dinner shows.
Here is a video recording of one of their Dinner Show performances: