What an extravaganza! I had the good luck of being invited to a birthday celebration at Madame Zingara’s Theatre of Dreams recently. And in true Richard Griffin style, it was fabulous, in the full sense of the word.

You’re welcomed at the door by genial hosts, bizarrely tarted-up hostesses and a fumbling clown. The hallway is in fact a sumptuous lounge with deep couches, and a bar to one side. Our table was in the Golden Circle … (or was that triangle?) – ominously placed between two stages.

We had a few glasses of champagne, just to ensure that we were in the correct frame of mind.

The menu comprises three courses, with two or three choices for each – some new entries, coupled with the old favourites we loved at the original Madame Z’s. Yes, we know – the choc chilli steak springs to mind immediately.

Starters were beautifully presented on a platter for two – thimbles of hot soup, plump olives and an assortment of nibbly bits.

Then the games began! The lights lowered and a succession of magical acts entertained and entranced. Irit Noble, the singers and the comical acts are great, but the goose-flesh-inducing award goes to the aerial acts. Wow – they are breath-taking.

Main courses all arrived on time at the perfect temperature – quite an accomplishment considering they need to cater for 300 hungry people. The service is attentive without being intrusive, and there’s a lovely little smoking garden to the side for those that need it.

A little boogie at the end of the evening helps you work off the trio of desserts. And everyone goes home feeling like they’ve been part of a fairy-tale.

Rumour has it they are leaving town in June – so if you live here and want to experience it for yourself, book now.

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