For more than 20 years, Jim Caruso’s Cast Party has been one of New York’s most beloved live entertainment events, blending cabaret, Broadway talent, live music and audience participation into an unforgettable night out. This autumn, the award-winning show returns to London for a limited run at Crazy Coqs.
Hosted by Jim Caruso and featuring acclaimed pianist Billy Stritch, the spontaneous variety show has earned a devoted following thanks to its unique mix of professional performers, emerging talent and surprise moments that can only happen in a live setting.
Ahead of the London performances at Crazy Coqs on 4, 5 and 8 November 2026, we caught up with Jim Caruso to discuss the show’s enduring appeal, returning to UK audiences and what makes Cast Party unlike any other night in theatre. Tickets are available here.
You’re bringing Cast Party back to Crazy Coqs. What can you tell us about the show?
Think of a party where the guests happen to be outrageously talented, and someone has thoughtfully provided Billy Stritch to play piano.
I host, Billy and I make some music, and we welcome performers for an evening of songs, discoveries and whatever else develops. We’ll assemble a wonderful mix of London talent and some friends from NYC, along with a bit of room for surprises.
Crazy Coqs has just the right intimacy for this sort of musical mischief. Over three nights, we’ll have three entirely different adventures.
Cast Party has become a New York institution over more than two decades. What do you think has made it such an enduring success?
Audiences come for the talent, but I think they return for the feeling in the room.
We take the music seriously and have a very good time with everything surrounding it. Each performer feels supported, and the audience is wonderfully invested.
A famous face might bring people through the door, but someone they’ve never heard of can give them the moment they yak about all week. After more than two decades, that still happens.
One of the show’s unique features is its spontaneity and audience participation. What do you enjoy most about not knowing exactly what will happen each night?
I love the moment when someone takes us all by surprise. A person we’ve just met walks to the microphone, starts to sing, and suddenly the room leans in.
You can’t manufacture that.
My job is to listen, keep things moving and recognise when something wonderful needs a little space. Of course, occasionally something needs a little less space. That’s where the hosting comes in.
You’ll be performing alongside Billy Stritch, a longtime collaborator. What makes your creative partnership work so well on stage?
Billy and I share a musical vocabulary, a sense of humour and the ability to communicate quite a lot with one look.
He knows when I’m about to sing, when I’m about to tell a story, and when a piano introduction might mercifully end that story.
Beyond our friendship, I have enormous respect for his musicianship. He listens so closely and gives singers such confidence. Having him at the piano allows everyone, including me, to be comfortable and a bit adventurous.
Cast Party has welcomed everyone from superstars to first-time performers. What advice would you give to someone considering stepping up to the microphone?
Choose a song you love and know well. Bring clear sheet music in your key, keep your introduction brief, and tell us the story of the song.
You don’t need to demonstrate everything you’ve ever learned in three minutes.
Most of all, remember that we’re rooting for you. It takes nerve to stand up in front of strangers, and I have great affection for anyone willing to take that leap.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with Billy Stritch at the piano?
Come with curious ears and a willingness to be surprised.
You can spend the entire evening happily in your seat; singing is strictly voluntary.
Billy and I will introduce you to some terrific people, make some music and see where the night takes us.
Half the fun is being able to say, “I was there when that happened.”
