CABARET
"Lee Hurst kept everyone in hysterics and definitely gave us value for money."
Nissan
WIKIPEDIA
BIOGRAPHY
After earning his spurs on the comedy circuit Lee Hurst made his name as a quick-witted panellist on the BBC quiz show, They Think It's All Over. Although he has no sporting prowess, and knows next to nothing about football, he won over viewers with his easy banter.
Lee's other credits include presenting Shark Tank and Loose Ends as well as guest appearances on That's Showbusiness, The Stand Up Show, Have I Got News For You and Don't Give Up Your Day Job. He also stepped up to the plate as team captain on Hold The Front Page and What In The World.
Back in the real world Lee built and ran his own venue, the Backyard Comedy Club in London's Bethnal Green. He has since converted it to the 'FymFigBar' and continues to act as resident compere.
Lee has performed in cabaret for dozens of household name companies, from Britvic and SpecSavers to O2 - at his best simply bouncing off members of the audience. He has also hosted awards ceremonies for the travel, IT, printing, commercial vehicle and, perhaps surprisingly, the beauty industry.
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GETTING THE BEST OUT OF... CABARET
Unlike comedy club or theatre crowds, event audiences have not paid specifically to see your cabaret artist - or any other kind of live performance. Other things will be vying for their attention, the house lights will have to remain up, and a third of the guests will probably start off with their backs to the stage. Live comedy can engage and unify audiences more than any other form of entertainment, but for maximum effect it helps to follow some basic rules.
The audience must be able to see and hear the artist. If possible avoid towering table centres and an acre of dancefloor between stage and audience. When the artist arrives, usually no more than an hour before going onstage, brief him/her on the day's events and any sensitivities about the host organisation, sponsors or guests. Try to keep to the timetable, allow the audience to have a 'comfort break' before the show, ensure that waiters have cleared the room, agree how the artist should be introduced - and then leave it to him.
