This weekend sees the launch of a new regular night here at the Rising Sun – the Reading Kabaret Kollective. An exciting new evening of cabaret performances, it’s compered and curated by one of our favourite performers of the last year, Baroness Maria von Hackemann. We had a chance to catch up with her ahead of the launch and find out a bit more about the Baroness herself, and why we should be looking forward to the show…

Rising Sun: So, Maria, can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

Baroness Maria von Hackemann: My name is Maria Hackemann, I studied German and performing arts and graduated from drama school around 11 years ago. I'm a mum, an arts consultant and performer. I love the freedom of cabaret as it gives me the space to explore my own work and give space to voices that are not heard in mainstream theatre.

RS: Why cabaret?

BMvH: Why not? I've had a fascination for it for many years due to my maternal family roots coming from Berlin and my study of the German language. My jaunt into the cabaret scene began back in 2005 with a tribute to Marlene Dietrich which has developed into a wealth of performance opportunities including shows in Germany, Holland, Canada as well as the National Theatre Concert pitch, Bush Hall, Soho Revue Bar and other cabaret venues.

RS: Cabaret seems to be gaining a bit of resurgence of late. Why do you think that is?

BMvH: Cabaret has been gaining momentum in London for the last ten years and I am grateful to have been there. I moved out to Reading area in 2011 and wanted to spread the momentum to the Home Counties. It’s quite a challenge but all the more fun for it. The cabaret scene attracts a diverse crowd of performers. Many who may find no other platform suitable for their expressive state of mind. Cabaret allows performers to break the forth wall and free themselves from normal theatre practises. It's a great space for marginalised people to be able to express themselves as well as more conventional acts to challenge themselves to explore new ideas and interpretations.

RS: You’re no stranger to the Rising Sun, having performed here a few times in the past couple of years. What made you decide you wanted to put on a regular night here?

BMvH: I love the atmosphere and the flexibility of being able to perform in the Rising Sun Arts Centre. I admire the commitment of the volunteers, the opportunity it gives performers to try new things.

RS: So what kind of acts can we expect to see?

BMvH: This month the audience will see a future performing star of the West End stage, a clown magician, some ukelele madness, dancing and guitar comedy with excerpts from an Edinburgh fringe show.

RS: What is it about the Rising Sun that makes it the right place for the Reading Kabaret Kollective?

BMvH: It’s a friendly and welcoming space which makes it straightforward for local performers to try out new concepts and ideas without fear of exploitation or excessive costs unlike some other venues.

The Reading Kabaret Kollective takes place on Saturday 7 March at 8pm. Find out more on our event page or on Facebook