GAGGED at Cabaret: Side Effects Include Cry-Laughing in Public
If laughter is the best medicine, then GAGGED at Cabaret in the Wales Millennium Centre should be available on the NHS. This riotous night of queer stand-up didn’t just tickle the funny bone, it absolutely obliterated it!
From the moment host Lee Peart strutted onto the stage, the tone was set: bold, cheeky, and gloriously unapologetic. Think sharp wit, a splash of camp chaos, and the kind of audience banter that makes you both grateful you’re included and relieved you’re not the main target. Lee didn’t just host—he commanded the room like a glitter-covered general of comedy.
The line-up? Stacked. And not in a “this might be good” way—more in a “brace yourself, you’re about to cry-laugh in public” way.
Headline act Alex Mitchell delivered a set so sharp it could slice through awkward silence (not that there was any). Effortlessly charismatic, Alex had the audience hanging on every punchline before knocking them sideways with the next.
Kate Cheka brought a brilliantly offbeat energy, weaving absurdity and insight into something uniquely hilarious. The kind of act where you’re laughing and then suddenly thinking, “Wait, that was actually genius.”
Jain Edwards added their own distinct flavour to the mix, keeping the momentum going with a set that felt both fresh and fiercely funny. No lulls, no dips—just solid, belly-aching comedy.
And throughout it all, Lee Peart kept things bubbling along, ensuring the night never lost its spark. Honestly, if charisma were currency, he’d be funding the entire arts scene.
“This riotous night of queer stand-up didn’t just tickle the funny bone, it absolutely obliterated it!”
What makes GAGGED stand out isn’t just the quality of the comedians (though that alone would be enough). It’s the atmosphere. There’s something electric about a room full of people laughing together—really laughing—at comedy that feels both inclusive and fearless. It’s not just a show; it’s a celebration of queer art.
By the end of the night, the audience was visibly exhausted—from laughing, from clapping, from trying to catch their breath between jokes. The kind of exhaustion you welcome with open arms.
And here’s the best part: if you missed it, you haven’t missed it forever. GAGGED is set to return on a regular basis, and if you have even a passing interest in joy, you’ll want to grab a ticket tot he next one! Quickly. Like, “stop reading this and go book” quickly.
So come out, grab a drink, and prepare to get completely, gloriously GAGGED. You can find out more over on Cabarets instagram (@cabaret_caerdydd) or head on over to the website here!
