London Cabaret Club Launches Talent Programme to Break Down Barriers for Young Performers
From Bloomsbury to the West End, a new three-year initiative will give London’s young people from disadvantaged backgrounds hands-on training, mentorship, and a route into the entertainment industry.
This March, The London Cabaret Club is launching a three-year talent programme designed to give young people from disadvantaged communities a real route into the entertainment industry. Participants will receive hands-on training, mentorship from TV star and professional dancer Tasha Ghouri, and the chance to perform in headline cabaret shows — with one standout performer offered a professional contract in the club’s new Spring 2026 production, La Vita è Dolce!.
The programme responds to a growing barrier in London’s creative landscape. New research commissioned by the club shows almost half of parents say their children have missed out on extracurricular activities due to cost, with 43% unable to afford after-school clubs. Many children with a strong interest in arts, drama, or music are forced to stop attending — leaving parents frustrated and children excluded from vital creative development.
London Cabaret Club. King’s Trust
“When families are priced out, talented young performers simply don’t get the chance to grow,” says Evelina Girling, CEO and Co-Founder of The London Cabaret Club. “London is a world stage for talent, yet many young people face financial and educational barriers that keep creative careers out of reach.”
The programme, set in the iconic Bloomsbury Ballroom, will combine intensive performance training, masterclasses, and confidence coaching with continued mentorship. Tasha Ghouri, who overcame early career challenges herself, will guide participants in navigating the entertainment industry. “Mounting costs shouldn’t mean kids miss out on pursuing their passions,” says Ghouri. “I’m thrilled to be part of a programme that creates real opportunities for young talent.”
The initiative also includes a VIP gala performance of the club’s hit show London Never Sleeps, attended by top casting directors and industry figures. Participants completing the programme will gain long-term access to rehearsal spaces and mentorship from The London Cabaret Club and The King’s Trust, ensuring sustained support beyond the initial course.
The talent call will take place on 26 February 2026, and young performers can sign up via The London Cabaret Club website.
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.