Established on the symbolic Champs-Elysées in Paris more than 70 years ago, the Lido is one of the most reputed Parisian cabarets in the city today. Apart from its majestic interiors, attractive costumes and dancers, music too, plays an important role and everything revolves around it.

“It was our first time at Lido. Everything was so grand – from the chandeliers to the costumes of the dancers. Even the music was unique and foot-tapping. It was good to see a female singer taking the lead for all the songs during the show,” says Manju Sethi, an Indian living in Paris, who visited the Lido early this year.

Though the Lido is famous for its magnificent sets, flawless dancing routines and a Bollywood connection to the cabaret style, there is another element to the evening that makes the show what it is – unique music and songs.

For the Lido, in its true cabaret tradition, music plays an important role and everything revolves around it. The show has a ‘magic’ orchestra – it is automatic during dinner, and before the show two guitarists and a singer accompany it. There is also a dance floor for people who wish to dance.

The sound at the show is now completely digital, thereby providing a particularly good quality and allowing for some totally new sound effects.

Though extensive automation is used, two light and sound technicians coordinate the music with light-play through out the show.

Moreover, for the first time in Lido’s history, a singer is at the heart of its theatrical entertainment. French singer Manon, who sings with her vocal range lying between the soprano and the contralto voice types, was chosen by director Franco Dragone.

A unique soundtrack was composed that goes from swing to soul, and from jazz to romance. Well-known Classical composer Yvan Cassar and Belgian singer-songwriter Saule worked together to compose the music of the show. While Cassar composes the music, Saule writes the lyrics. Cassar also collaborated with the Canadian-French singer Mylène Farmer and French singer Johnny Hallyday for the music.

Behind the perfect performances are hidden two years of preparation and four months of rehearsals before the curtain is finally raised before the audience.