PRESS: Cape Town, Prepare Yourself…Madame JoJo's Opens Her Doors

Malebo Esemang

---

Cape Town welcomes a bold new home for cabaret, burlesque and mischief for six Thursdays only, from 20 August 2026. Nestled behind a discreet entrance on Barrack Street, guests enter an exclusive lounge where glamour meets chaos, elegance flirts with scandal, and velvet curtains reveal dazzling performers. Come curious!

At the heart of it all is Madame JoJo, portrayed by celebrated drag icon and comedian Lilly Slaptsilli. With equal parts glamour, wit and mischief, she is more than your regular Mistress of Ceremonies—she is the beating heart of the experience. Madame JoJo welcomes kings, queens and everyone in between to an evening where laughter, spectacle and unforgettable performances take centre stage.

The evening begins with Velvet Hour from 7pm to 8pm, offering guests the chance to settle in with handcrafted cocktails at half price before the lights dim, the room comes alive. From 8pm to 10:30pm, the stage belongs to a breathtaking cast of cabaret performers, burlesque dancers, drag artistes and moments of mischief that ensure no two Thursdays are ever the same. From 10:30pm, Madame JoJo sheds her corset and embraces her wild side. DJs, dancers and after-dark revelry keep the party alive long into the early hours.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the evening, with a prize awarded each week for the most fabulous look in the room. The experience extends beyond the stage with an exclusive cocktail menu and a selection of elegant cabaret-inspired cone canapés, created especially for Madame JoJo’s.

“Darlings… you’ve behaved yourselves long enough. Come dressed to impress. Leave your inhibitions at the door. At Madame JoJo’s, it’s not Thursday, it’s Thrustday!” - Madame JoJo (Lilly Slaptsilli)

Madame JoJo's officially opens on Thursday, 20 August 2026 at 72 Barrack St, with six performances only. If the address sounds familiar, it’s because it occupies the intimate VIP ‘Empire Lounge’ of Mavericks Revue Bar, with guests entering through an exclusive street entrance.

Tickets are available exclusively through Quicket, with guests encouraged to book early as space is highly limited. More details at www.madamejojos.co.za. Please note no under 18s.