Artspod Chats: Eddy Hackett, The Lost Estate and Chat Noir

    Chat Noir Eddy Hackett interview

    Chat Noir!

    Witness the birth of cabaret in 1890s Paris…

    LIMITED RUN ONLY. Don’t Miss Out.

    Opening on 24th March 2026, at The Lost Estate’s West London home, Chat Noir! (https://chatnoirlondon.com/) is the latest creation from the company behind The Great Christmas Feast and 58th Street.

    The Lost Estate (‘London’s immersive heavyweights’ – Evening Standard) has been transforming live performance into fully realised worlds for the past eight years – this is the most ambitious work so far.

    Less immersive theatre, more a time travel experience that opens straight into another century. Chat Noir! will see guests transported to bohemian Montmartre of the 1890s, inside the legendary “Le Chat Noir”, the original Parisian cabaret club that launched a cultural revolution and gave birth to the modern nightlife we still chase today.

    Guests enter through a secret door and become the aristocrats and bohemians of Montmartre, revelling in the absinthe-fuelled temptations of the City Of Lights. A real-life step inside the original “Le Chat Noir“, where the show-stopping theatrics, sultry chanson and exotic cabaret routines play out around guests as if the 1890s have never ended.

    All tickets include three courses of decadent Parisian Haute Cuisine (view sample menu here). Chat Noir! also features an emerald Bar de Absinthe, serving transportive Belle Epoque cocktails.

    And as with all Lost Estate events, the show is built around the music – here Les Enfants Vagabondes, a wild troupe of virtuoso musicians roam between tables, conjuring the spirits of bohemian Montmartre with stunning musical performances from across the centuries.

    A vibrant scene from the Chat Noir experience featuring performers and audience interaction

    The Immersive World of The Lost Estate: Exploring Chat Noir

    In the world of live arts, creating an engaging experience is key. The Lost Estate has mastered this with its latest production, Chat Noir, an immersive performance that transports audiences to the heart of 1890s Paris. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique aspects of this experience, how it came to be, and what visitors can expect when they attend.

    About The Lost Estate

    The Lost Estate is an immersive performance and hospitality company founded by Eddie Hackett and his co-founders. With a background in classical music, they aim to create experiences that blend live performance with a rich, immersive environment. The company focuses on producing shows that invite audiences to step into another world, where they can actively participate in the narrative.

    What is Chat Noir?

    Chat Noir is the latest offering from The Lost Estate, set in the iconic cabaret club of the same name from the 1890s. This experience brings to life the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre, showcasing the artistic and cultural movements that defined the era. Visitors will feel as if they’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by poets, musicians, and artists who shaped the cabaret scene.

    The Experience

    At Chat Noir, audiences can expect a variety of performances, including mime, music, and traditional cabaret acts. The show features talented performers like Joe Morose as the club’s proprietor, Rudolf Sali, and Neil Kelso as a magician, Joseph Boitier. The experience is not just about watching; it’s about feeling immersed in the world, complete with a full dining experience that enhances the atmosphere.

    The dining aspect of Chat Noir is particularly noteworthy. Guests will enjoy authentic Parisian dishes, such as Coq au Vin and Tarte Citron, paired with absinthe cocktails served in unique ways. The experience is thoughtfully designed to make everyone feel like they’re part of the late 19th-century cabaret scene, with themed performances aligning with the menu offerings.

    Eddy Hackett

    Eddy Hackett, co-founder and executive producer of The Lost Estate, has an interesting journey from classical musician to immersive experience creator. Starting his musical journey later than most, he found his passion for percussion at age 15 and quickly advanced through various musical opportunities. After studying at prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, he went on to perform with top orchestras and later transitioned into producing immersive performances.

    Hackett’s background in classical music and his experiences in various musical genres have greatly influenced the creative vision of The Lost Estate. His role involves bringing together the creative team and overseeing the production, ensuring that each aspect of a show aligns with the original vision.

    The Evolution of The Lost Estate

    The Lost Estate began as an orchestra and gradually evolved into a company focused on immersive storytelling and hospitality. The founders wanted to tell untold stories behind classical music and create experiences that resonate with modern audiences. As their vision expanded, they introduced elements like set design and gastronomy to create a more comprehensive experience.

    The Lost Estate’s approach to performance blurs the lines between audience and artist, creating a shared experience that engages all senses. This kind of immersive storytelling is important in today’s entertainment landscape, where audiences seek more than just passive enjoyment. By providing a platform for artistic expression and community engagement, The Lost Estate helps to revitalize interest in live performance and its cultural relevance.

    If you’re interested in experiencing the magic of Chat Noir, visit The Lost Estate’s website for tickets and more information. Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and enjoy an unforgettable evening of performance and dining.

    Chat Noir Book Today
    Visit The Lost Estate Website

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