The Tales of the Weird Cabaret

The British Library’s Tales of the Weird day ends with a cabaret of storytelling, clown, ventriloquism, comedy, contortion and more...

From deadly dolls and creepy clowns to tales of the uncanny which will delight and terrify in equal measure!

Hosted and curated by the Nightmare Queen of Clown, Elf Lyons.

Book tickets here for the evening Cabaret only. Tickets for the daytime talks and panels may now be sold out but online tickets are available to book here. 

Discounts available for British Library Members, Students, Under 26 and other concession groups. 

Doors and bar open 18:00.

Appearing on the night are

CABBAGE THE CLOWN
Sometimes comedic, sometimes profound, Cabbage the Clown is a two time competition winning drag fool, doomed to live life in an eternal state of catastrophic despair. The human expression of how it feels to step in a puddle of mystery wetness.

LACHLAN WERNER - VENTRILOQUIST
Lachlan Werner is comedy's poof prince of puppets. The "funniest new ventriloquist on the block" (Telegraph), clown and live artist, Lachlan was was runner up for LGBTQ+ New Comedian Of The Year '22 and a nominee for BBC New Comedy Award, Chortle Best Variety Act, ISH Best Newcomer Edinburgh Comedy Award, Off-West End Cabaret Award, VAULT Comedy Breakthrough Award. 
"Hilarious. Extraordinary. A healthy dose of the unhinged" (Guardian)

MEG HODGSON as MOONFACE
Meg Hodgson is an experimental movement performer, clown and actor based in London. Exploration of the serious business of science, queerness and grief through exuberant mediums is the foundation of Meg’s artistic practice, with current  shows-in-progress exploring the imminent corporate mining of the Moon and historic, non-binary jester narratives. Meg has trained under and collaborated with artists such as Stacy Makishi, Philippe Gaulier and Marisa Carnesky and has toured extensively and internationally.

HANNAH FINN - CONTORTION GIRL
Hannah Finn, known internationally as Contortion Girl, has been a top-level contortionist and circus performer for over 14 years. Originally from Los Angeles, she grew up performing at iconic venues such as Greystone Mansion and Paramount Pictures Lot. Her extensive training includes the prestigious Ecole Nationale De Cirque in Montreal, where she honed her extraordinary skills under world-class coaches.

DYLAN MORAN
Dylan Moran is a celebrated Irish comedian, actor, and writer, known for his sharp, dark humour and insightful takes on everyday life. Famous for his sitcom Black Books and acclaimed live tours, Moran’s comedy blends the absurd with the philosophical, making him a beloved figure in the world of stand-up.

ELF LYONS
Elf Lyons is an award-winning comedian, clown and theatre practitioner who presents her solo shows and directs and teaches artists all over the world.? In 2024 Elf received 12 five-star reviews and a sell out run of her show Horses at the Edinburgh Fringe. She was awarded the (ISH) Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, the Comedian's Choice Award for Best Show and the Mervyn Stutter 'Spirit of the Fringe' Award. Her show Raven was awarded Best Show at the Reykjavik Fringe, Iceland and Best Comedy at the Adelaide Fringe, Australia. In 2023 Elf was listed as number 25 in The Telegraphs 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century and was nominated for a Deaf Action Award for her comedy show Heist developed with the visual vernacular performer, Duffy.  

The British Library’s Weird Weekend starts the night before with a remarkable live performance in the main Entrance Hall by Gazelle Twin, whose darkly magic electronic album Black Dog is re-imagined with London Contemporary Orchestra. With support by Laura Cannell and entry included to the exhibition Medieval Women: in their own words. Information and tickets here.  



Captions are available for our online events and most in person events in the Pigott Theatre. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk 

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