Sabrage
[səˈbra:ʒ] verb
The ceremonial practice of opening a champagne bottle with a saber
We invite you to dive into
the hedonistic world of Sabrage.
We invite you to dive into
the hedonistic world of Sabrage.
The world première of Sabrage is set to create a frisson of seduction at Lafayette in London’s King’s Cross. A place where eyes glimmer and the sensual and salacious combine on a wild ride from sophistication to champagne fuelled ecstasy.
The finest acrobatic and cabaret talent from around the world are serving an intoxicating blend of vintage French glamour, high-end spectacle and titillating acts to infatuate, illuminate and inspire.
Sabrage offers heady top notes followed by rich textures, a smooth body, and an utterly unexpected finish.
Lafayette
In the heart of King’s Cross, Lafayette will open its doors to this theatrical spectacle for the first time, with the space providing unparalleled intimacy, delectable food & drink packages with the venue providing an extraordinary backdrop to the show.
“With over 250,000 music fans who’ve walked through our doors, we’ve had the privilege of hosting countless unforgettable moments – nights where artists have made our venue their home, even if just for one show. This year, we’re excited to evolve and expand our definition of what an arts venue can be. Partnering with Sabrage, we’ll introduce a one-of-a-kind experience to Lafayette, blending creativity and innovation in new ways.” – Lafayette founder, Ben Lovett, Mumford & Sons
Since opening its doors in March 2020, Lafayette has spent its first five years as one of London’s go-to live music venues for catching the fastest rising acts and globally significant names around today. Its stage has hosted performances by the eclectic and diverse likes of Charli XCX, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Maggie Rogers, Dave, Olivia Dean, Beck, Becky Hill, Anne-Marie, and The Pretenders. Lafayette created countless lasting memories and culturally significant moments across its 500+ shows as a frontline music venue. Now, it’s ready to embrace something completely different.
Nola’s
Guests will have the opportunity to purchase VIP access to our backstage hideaway – Nola’s Bar – an opulent speakeasy that channels the heady glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Tucked away like a well-kept secret, this hideaway fuses vintage elegance with a house-party spirit, where plush surroundings, handcrafted cocktails, and a rhythm of live music create an atmosphere of unbridled revelry. Nola’s promises a night of pure escapism, where the magic lingers long after the final bow.
Sabrage is a tradition rich in history, dating back to the Napoleonic era in early 19th-century France. Legend has it that after the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte’s army, renowned for its swift victories across Europe, became the setting for this daring ritual. The Hussars, Napoleon’s cavalry officers, were young and bold, often celebrating their military conquests with champagne—a drink that symbolized both luxury and triumph.
Opening a bottle the traditional way was impractical on horseback, so the Hussars would use their sabers to slice off the top of the bottle in one swift motion, showcasing both skill and flair. This dramatic gesture came to represent their fearless spirit and zest for life.
Napoleon himself famously said, “Champagne! In victory one deserves it; in defeat one needs it.”
Menier Chocolate Factory and Strut & Fret
After touring 32 countries for the past 25 years, Strut & Fret, with its unique and world-renowned brand of opulent, cheeky, edge-of-your-seat theatre, is excited to join forces with the Olivier and Tony Award winning Menier Chocolate Factory presenting a cast of international circus elites and theatrical misfits.
Scott Maidment – Director
International award-winning director Scott Maidment’s work combines unconventional entertainment, high-flying spectacle, nu-circus, extreme theatre, and dynamic music experiences. His collaborations include an artistic partnership with Madonna, following his artistic direction of the Rebel Heart World Tour in 2015. Creative Director of Strut & Fret, his directorial credits include LIMBO, Cantina, Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Blanc Encore, Love Lust Lost, When Night Comes, The Party, Showtime at the Pink Flamingo, Boom Boom in the House of Casa Blah Blah, Fun House, The Secret Death of Salvador Dali, Tom Tom Crew, Dream Menagerie, Feasting on Flesh, Cantina and The Happy Sideshow.
How To Find Us
Lafayette, King’s Cross
11 Goods Way, London N1C 4DP
Kings Cross Underground (5 mins)
St. Pancras International (5 mins)
London Euston Underground (15 mins)
Lafayette is an accessible venue. Click here for more information.