The inaugural Dave Lynn's Cabaret Academy culminated tonight in an Industry Showcase of the considerable talent that has emerged from the four week instructional course for budding entertainers.

Academy students were given their chance to shine to an audience of media, press, venue proprietors and managers, booking agents and other cabaret artists, along with family and friends.

Tonight saw performances from Billy Mac, Candi Rell, Cherry Poppin, Connie Conway, Deborah D'Arcy, Gilly B & JJ, Just Jean, Lillie La France, Mercedes Bends, Minsky Rose Lee, Quinton Smith and Steve Bustin. Joan Bond introduced each act, which included drag artists, female and male vocalists, comedians and female impersonators and was lapped up by an avid and impressed audience.

The Cabaret Academy has been sponsored by REALBrighton.com and Charles Street Bar & Club with donations from the audience going to The Sussex Beacon.

There's a Final Public Showcase on Tuesday 16th October - don't miss it!