Cabaret for the End of the World is billed as a darkly comedic play, set in the wasteland of a post-apocalyptic United Kingdom.
A new, one-woman show, written and performed by Cathy Wippell, a ‘Cabaret for the End of the World’ runs at the Bread and Roses Theatre from 3rd – 7th June.
A London-born activist, Wippell founded the SAFER campaign, which went on to be featured on BBC News and the Today show.
Stephen Fry played the main character in ‘Black Samphire’, a film penned by Wippell to bring attention to the “deathly spectre” of toxic pollution entering Britain’s waterways. The film was supported by River Action UK, won ‘Best Script’ at the Film The House awards, sponsored by Netflix, Disney and Warner Brothers and featured on SKY News and BAFTA albert for its sustainability initiatives.
“a darkly comedic play, set in the wasteland of a post-apocalyptic United Kingdom”
Offering us cautionary tales, horror as a genre is often used to explore society’s pressing issues, in a way that is more accessible and more shocking.
A climate activist, performer and co-founder of film company Silicon Gothic, which monstifies’ modern issues through genre films, Wippell has brought together activism and storytelling.
A Cabaret for the End of the World is her debut solo show, following a successful preview run at Grimfest, London’s celebration of all things dark and twisted in theatre.
Catastrophe and Monstrosity
The story follows the character Montselier, the last surviving accordionist of a post-apocalyptic United Kingdom. The audience discovers the cause of the catastrophe (political and natural disasters) through monologues and songs.
The cabaret seems to dive headfirst into all things ‘monstrous’, promising audiences dark comedy, sinister survival tips and songs accompanied by an accordion — an instrument that certainly creates an eerie atmosphere.
“The cabaret seems to dive headfirst into all things ‘monstrous’, promising audiences dark comedy, sinister survival tips and songs”
Audiences have praised Wippell’s strengths as a performer, magnetic, enthralling and one who allows the audience to giggle and relax alongside the solemn moments. ‘Cabaret for the End of the World’ is a show for lovers of horror and caution, activism and theatre that leaves a resounding message.
Featured Image: Cathy Wippell. Photo by Roj Whitlock.
This article was originally published on June 3, 2025 – but due to a malfunction it didn’t appear on the site until now.
Details
Show: Cabaret for the End of the World
Venue: Bread and Roses Theatre, 68 Clapham Manor St, London SW4 6DZ
Dates: 3rd – 7th June
Running Time: 60 minutes
Age Guidance: none provided, but a content warning of “graphic descriptions of violence, nuclear warfare and depression…alongside a healthy dose of foul language.”
Admission: £14 (£12 concession)
Time: 19:00
Accessibility: Theatre accessed by stairs, and is not wheelchair accessible. Certified service animals can be accommodated if requested in advance.
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