If you’re looking to host a conference, wedding, or private event in Brighton, the layout of the venue can make all the difference. From the attention of the attendees to the general atmosphere, a seating plan can change the overall success of your event. One of the most versatile and engaging arrangements is cabaret style seating. But what exactly does this layout look like and how could you use it? We’re here to help you figure out your ideal layout.
What is Cabaret Style Seating?
Cabaret style seating is a layout where typically round tables – though square and rectangular are commonly used too! – are arranged across the space. The classic cabaret style features chairs set around three-quarters of each table, leaving the side facing the stage or presentation area open. This creates a clear line of sight for all guests while also encouraging conversation and interaction among table groups. It balances focus and sociability, making it ideal for both formal and informal occasions.
Its Theatrical Origins
As the name suggests, cabaret style seating has its roots in the classic cabaret clubs of 19th and early 20th century Europe. These intimate, entertainment-filled venues combined dining, drinking, and performance in a relaxed yet stylish setting. The layout was designed to give everyone a great view of the stage while allowing for a shared social experience.
Events that Benefit from Cabaret Style Seating
If you’ve seen a stand-up comedy or cabaret show at Komedia before, you’ll have noticed that cabaret style is our seating of choice for many shows! Simply put, nobody wants to sit with their back to the stage (and our performers don’t want to be looking at the backs of people’s heads). Cabaret style seating is a great way to engage with entertainment and conference speakers alike whilst still being able to access your food or notes, or confer with tables around you.
Events that benefit from this style of seating typically include – but are not limited to:
- Business Conferences & Workshops
- Great for breakout sessions, training days, or full-day conferences where delegates need to take notes, view presentations, and discuss ideas.
- Networking Events
- The open-table format encourages conversation and relationship-building.
- Educational Seminars & Learning Sessions
- Promote collaboration while keeping attention on the speaker or screen.
- Weddings & Private Celebrations
- Perfect for speeches, dining, and entertainment – guests can enjoy a clear view of the front while still feeling part of an intimate social setting.
- Gala Dinners & Awards Nights
- This setup allows for food service with a front-facing orientation for watching awards, speeches, or performances.
- Live Performances
- True to its roots, cabaret style is perfect for immersive performances. Comedy nights, drag shows, and live cabaret acts all benefit from an engaged, seated audience with optional table service.
Other seating styles
Though cabaret style seating is often preferred for dinner and a show, it’s not the only seating style available and might not always be the style suited to your event. At Komedia, we’re very versatile with our layouts as none of our seating is permanent. We can set up your event exactly how you want it. Essentially, if it fits through our doors, you can have it for your event! But here we wanted to highlight some other seating layouts that are popular in our space.
Theatre Style Seating
Theatre-style is the style most commonly seen in, well, theatres. This offers rows of chairs facing forwards. This style of seating is most commonly used when you don’t want your guests to be interacting with each other, instead dedicating their whole attention to the stage. It also is the most space-efficient layout; without the need for tables, more chairs are able to fit into a space.
Events that would benefit from this style of seating typically include – but are not limited to:
- Keynote speeches, product launches, or large-scale business updates
- Academic or industry-specific talks, panel discussions and expert lectures
- Award Ceremonies
- Live performances, including theatre, live music, and film showings
Banquet Style Seating
Banquet style seating is all about the tables. If you want your guests focus to be more on chatting and interacting with each other, or dining on a three-course meal, then this is the layout for you!
Events that would benefit from this style of seating typically include – but are not limited to:
- Weddings and Receptions
- A classic choice for wedding breakfasts and evening receptions. It creates a sociable, elegant atmosphere and allows guests to dine and chat comfortably.
- Corporate Dinners & Christmas Parties
- Ideal for end-of-year celebrations, networking dinners, or formal corporate functions with food, drink, and entertainment.
- Cultural & Religious Celebrations
- This layout works well for family-style meals or shared feasts at events like Diwali, Eid, bar/bat mitzvahs, or other milestone celebrations.
Host Your Event at Komedia
Whether you’re planning a wedding that ends with a show, a business seminar with flair, or a private celebration with a twist, Komedia offers a central location with a versatile floorplan and top equipment & staff to match your occasion. So, whether you need cabaret style seating for your next event, or if banquet style suits you more, get in touch with us to see what your event could look like at the home of live entertainment.
All images by Charlotte Horton unless stated otherwise.
