By Josie Eveleigh

 

If you truly want to experience dinner and a show, there is no other place quite like Madame Zingara’s Theatre of Dreams. Spectacular acts, dinner, costumes and the chance to leave the more ‘boring’ You at the door and enter the magical world of burlesque at its best.

 

Housed in one of the last remaining Mirror Tents in the world, this show has toured Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg to packed crowds every night, this family of fun never ceases to amaze with their energy and really give the word ‘show’ new meaning.

From acrobatics to risque dance scenes, fire breathers and men in drag, come to dinner with some props and tap into the energy of this wild night out. The bohemian theme is core to Madame Zingara but the food is world-class. Starters include a Mediterranean antipasto board. For mains there is a choice of fine meat dishes and a vegetarian option but the Chocolate Chili Fillet remains centre stage. To finish off the evening, dessert offers as much excitement as the evening as a whole, Trio di dolceletti- followed by tea, coffee and friandese.

Booking in advance is always essential as there are sold-out shows every night. Guests are encouraged to come with props and really get into the wild gypsy spirit of the evening, but one can also buy wigs, costumes and get their faces painted by ridiculously talented artists just before the show begins. Forget kids-party style face paint, this is Hollywood special effects style.

Since the original Madame Zingara restaurant burned down in 2006, the family pulled together to create this touring dinner concept and have since welcomed  the Sidewalk Cafe, Cafe Mozart ,Cafe Paradiso, Café Manhattan and The Bombay Bicycle Club into their mix. If this doesn’t prove that the people behind the Zingarian family know how to pull off a restaurant- I don’t know what will.

Offering something mystic and magical, this dinner theatre show is a bucket list tick not to be missed. A great idea as a venue for your next party or just an excuse to get a bit rowdy with friends and family, this is a slick production in every way. With immense talent on display throughout the evening and an incredible three course dinner, I fully predict you’ll be dancing to the final song R.E.S.P.E.C.T  on your chair by the end of the night. I can promise you, they’ll encourage it too.