The latest in Shanghai's quest of cultural reclamation to the golden age pre-2020 days, an iconic venue of yore has re-emerged on the scene: dinner-plus-cocktails cabaret club, Candor.

Now in its third iteration since first opening in 2015, the new and fabulous Candor splashes out onto two floors instead of one, tucked in at the second and third floors of the oldest theatre in China, the Lyceum Theatre. Enter at the front of the Lyceum and turn right up the stairs into a speakeasy-style venue. With entirely new interiors — the space was totally dismantled in 2020 — the same management team has recreated the trademark 1920s-ish vintage burlesque chic aesthetic. Portraits and black-and white-photos of silent era and vaudeville stars adorn the the walls; Art Deco mirrors, masks and feathers decorate in place of flowers; glimmering crystal chandeliers light up the sumptuous red velvet that is everywhere.

On the first floor is a piano parlor-slash-cocktail lounge with a menu of craft cocktails, created by Alex Mill, in the 100rmb range, available to guests in bar and table seating. Nightly piano performances planned therein to accompany the food and drinks. The second floor is dominated by a curtained stage that stops a few inches short of the seating area. The large bar at the former Candor has been moved to the side to make for more audience seating and VIP booths. Cages and swings for performers hint at the program, which is original cabaret productions, showgirl, drag, and burlesque events; contemporary and classic dance; multi-media, multi-genre Western and Chinese theater; performance arts of all variety — everyone in Shanghai who has talent and is in need of a stage.

The food menu — launching April 14 — is brand new to the venue comes from Andrew Moo of Yaya's. The introduction of food marks a bit of a change in direction for Candor into hosting dinner theater events. Expect modern fusion selections to accompany the show, which are currently four nights a week with two on Friday and Saturday.

Important dates: Candor is open this Friday and Saturday night with an original theatrical production called "Babylon". These are friends and family events but keen walk-ins can get a "sneak peak" for 200rmb at the door. They're officially soft open on April 13, April 14, and April 15, presenting their foods and drinks menu.Reservations in advance required. Tickets are 200rmb at the door and on stage is another original production called "Lyceum" — that one tributes the unique pedigree and history of the Lyceum Theater itself.

Check our WeChat Channel for a sneak peak of the new Candor!