Enjoying Broadway Style and Pop Culture Performances at Calypso Cabaret

The Calypso Cabaret show is must-see performance when visiting Bangkok – not surprisingly, there were lots of Korean and Japanese tourists when we checked out the show during our Bangkok weekend getaway. Language is not a barrier in this show as the performances cut across various genres of music and even language from the traditional Japanese songs to even pop culture Wondergirls “Nobody”.

Despite being almost 17 years old (started in 1987), Calypso Cabaret has been keeping up with the latest songs and investing a lot of effort in its props and costumes to ensure that visitors are kept entertained every night. We were dazzled by not just the beauty of the performers but also their colorful costumes and dresses (although some dresses only exist to be ripped off mid-way through the performances but rest assured there is no nudity involved).

Just check out this short 1-minute video for a sneak preview of what to expect from the Calypso Cabaret. This short snippet demonstrated just how dynamic the performances could be – just imagine how exciting it will be for the full 1-hour Calypso Cabaret performance!

Seating was arranged in the typical Moulin Rouge cabaret style with 4 persons sharing a table with a cute little red lamp, as shown in the video above. This table is where you place your drinks (1 free drink with your ticket to Calypso Cabaret). The seats are all priced the same at 900THB/Adult and 600THB/Child so book online early at http://www.calypsocabaret.com/reserve1.php to secure the best seats. The seating plan is also available at http://www.calypsocabaret.com/images/ca.jpg. If you are at row A,B,C,D, request for Seat 1,2,8,7,13,14,18 or 19 as they provide you with the most legroom compared with the seats behind the table.

If you like to get close to the action, you can consider Row A as this gentleman in the picture below demonstrated. He got all the attention of a performer during the show and even a kiss!

The performance concluded with photo-taking opportunities with the performers. Note that they will be expecting tips so prepare between 40 – 100 Baht or more (if you really enjoyed the performances). You will notice from the pictures below that these performers are actually quite tall – the female performers are actually all ladyboys or ah-gwas; they had undergone sex change operation to become a woman. They lip-synced to the songs (and they do it very well – we almost can’t tell) and if you hear them speak, you will be able to tell!

Calypso Cabaret is located in Asia Hotel. The hotel is connected to the BTS Skytrain Ratchathewi station and located opposite VIE Hotel Bangkok. You can either buy tickets at the Calypso Cabaret ticketing booth near the lobby of Asia Hotel or order online. Online reservations are strongly encouraged if you are catching the 8.15pm show (which is also the most popular timing). If you are into LastMinute tickets, it’s best to catch the 9.45pm show instead. The Calypso Cabaret runs with 2 performances every night (except Vesak Day) throughout the year.

Another fact about the show that is not as well-known is that these performers actually do this part-time! They hold regular jobs during the day and come in at around 6pm to start rehearsals before performing 2 times every night! Kudos to their dedication to Calypso Cabaret!

Map of Calypso Cabaret @ Asia Hotel