About the Poetry Brothel Toronto
The Poetry Brothel is a global organisation that began as an extension of The Poetry Society of New York.
When Stephanie Berger and Nicholas Adamski, residents of NYC, found themselves frustrated by the lack of exciting poetry events in a city renowned for its subversive theatres, they conceived the Poetry Brothel:
An immersive literary cabaret - a world of words, wonder and whimsy.
You just have to experience it to get it.
In Toronto: Madame Titania, Queen of the Fairies, has temporarily vacated Fairy and brought the Poetry Brothel to Toronto so you can - experience this, that is. Each production has its own distinct theme and features a rotating lineup of insanely talented poets and variety performers so you can escape the every-day and come revel in the magic of our Otherworld.
Poets perform in character, in costume, and attendees are invited to do the same... It's a beautiful intersection of an entertaining variety show and an immersive theatre experience, one which encourages all involved to let their alter-egos out to play.
Want to see what we've been up to? Keep scrolling to check out our Past Productions!
Want to know what we've been up to, or reminisce about nights you've joined us?
Our first cabaret of 2026 featured incredible talents. In addition to it being our first ever two night show, our poet lineup was joined by burlesque performer Starlotte Satine, the legendary musician Dr Draw, and a mask performance by actor, storyteller, comedian, and physical performer Cristel Bartelse. You can read more about it here, or read the incredible review written by Boor About Town here.
Poets and Boylesque and spooky cocktails... We did "Something Wicked" on Devil's night of 2025 a the 918 Bathurst. It was a night of witchcraft and wizardry, of magic and manifestation. And, we're pretty certain, everyone there came to agree with the Madame that words, indeed, are spells. Read more?
As part of 2025 Toronto Pride's Programming, PBTO hosted Neverland, an unforgettable journey into love. For everyone who believes in magic.
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To celebrate his 70th birthday, PBTO was thrilled to produce GayGrandpa's first ever one-man-show. As part of Pride Toronto 2025 programming, GayGrandpa regaled audiences with tales of his coming into his queerness, coming out of the closet, and coming into himself. A love story, filled with heart and humour, a journey through time and the vulnerable yet empowering tale of finding, and losing, the one, to find, again, himself.
PBTO loves doing a theme that aligns to seasonal holidays, so hosting a trip to Wonderland over Easter weekend meant we had a LOT of cute bunnies. Read more!
On January 25th, 2025, The Poetry Brothel Toronto Presented our sixth Cabaret at the Super Wonder Gallery. With a stacked lineup of poets and variety performers, and a stunning audience of fabulous folks dressed to the 9s, our disco was a nice to remember. Read more about it and see photos here!
On October 25th, 2024, The Poetry Brothel Toronto hosted our second event at the Super Wonder Gallery: Villainous! A vivacious night of entertainment, Villainous welcomed Gay Grandpa back to the stage, along with returning poets Tsuramache and Talons, additionally presenting DJ Film, and the Poet the Last Mermaid for the first time.
An unforgettable evening of wine tasting, storytelling, poetry, and attendee participation, hosted by Madame Titania and featuring the delectable wines and treats of the Macedo Family's curated selection of wines. Presented in the private dining room of Macedo's Downtown Winery to a select few.
Hosted by Madame Titania and featuring a lineup of both returning and new poets, musicians, and variety acts, the Solstice Cabaret opened its doors early to welcome the Toronto community to peruse the works of many local artists and craftspeople. Presented at the effervescent Rainhard Brewing Co, it was an afternoon and evening filled with celebration in honour of the Summer Solstice.
In honour of those who missed out on their Proms, the Poetry Brothel Toronto Hosted an unforgettable night of queer programming and poetry. Held at interdisciplinary theatre space The Bridge and featuring interactive art installations like sunset lamps for shadow play, along with speciality acts like Jezy Belle's drag X Robyn's music, the comedic stylings of Jan & George, and the fabulous stories of Gay Grandpa, Gay Prom! was a night of joy and gaiety. Literally... and Madame Titania's handcrafted fairy crowns were gifted to eight prom queens!
On December 1st, 2023, Toronto's Immersive Literary Cabaret took audiences back in time to the sensual Roaring 20s at The Roaring Juice Shack. Hosted by the saucy Madame Molly (Naomi Belcamino) at Super Wonder Gallery, VIP patrons were treated to a bubbly speakeasy-within-the-speakeasy in the first ever pre-show Salon hosted by Madame Titania (Brendee Green). Attendees made magic, participating in both on and offstage interactions wtih poets and performers, and the burlesque of Knox Harter was a sensual delight.
The Poetry Brothel Toronto's inaugural event, A Midsummer Night's Masquerade, took Toronto by storm! Hosted by Madame Titania and themed in honour of her namesake, this first immersive Cabaret welcomed audiences into a world of magic, fae, and private, intimate readings with the poets of our cabaret. Featuring a lineup of poets in costume and character, as well as the jazzy originals of Vivienne Wilder, The Poetry Brothel Toronto's first ever event welcomed over one hundred Torontonians in full costume and masques. This, darlings, marked the start of a beautiful affair.
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