Horror cabaret blends rock and burlesque at MetroCon

A live horror-themed cabaret blending heavy rock, burlesque, and circus acts will debut at Simon Fraser University on October 17, 2026, as part of the MetroCon pop-culture convention. The Slasher Cabaret, an adults-only production running from 8:30 to 10 p.m., pairs a live band with 14 performances spanning drag, burlesque, magic, and theatrical horror reimaginings. The show marks the first time this format—originally staged in Toronto earlier this year—will appear in Burnaby, offering MetroCon attendees an evening option beyond the convention’s daytime pop-culture programming. The 90-minute experience shifts horror cinema from screen to live stage, merging heavy-rock accompaniment with circus skills, burlesque, and drag performances.

Horror Icons Meet Live Music on Stage

The production distinguishes itself by integrating the band throughout the entire show, rather than treating music as a separate segment. Performers reinterpret horror characters through original choreography and costumes, with the band adapting familiar songs to fit the acts. For example, burlesque artist Roxy Rosé will portray Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, blending chair acrobatics with a Marilyn Manson cover of Sweet Dreams.

Her costume transforms the character’s iconic striped sweater into a burlesque-style sweater dress while retaining the signature metal glove, and this will be her first performance with a live band. Meanwhile, Savannah Rouge will perform as Baby from House of 1000 Corpses, combining sword-balancing with a burlesque routine set to Problem by Natalia Kills, a song she had long wanted to perform before pairing it with the character. The band’s role extends beyond accompaniment; rehearsals required new arrangements to match the performers’ needs, creating a cohesive live experience.

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Both acts reflect the show’s dual approach: some performances start with a horror icon and build around it, while others begin with music and later attach a character. The creative process involved producer and vocalist Kami aligning musical choices, stage characters, and the band’s capabilities to ensure each act feels distinct yet unified. According to Tourism Burnaby, over 50 applicants competed for the final lineup of 13 performers delivering 14 acts, with selection based on how well each fit the show’s thematic and musical cohesion. The resulting programme moves fluidly between burlesque, drag, circus, and magic rather than relying on a single discipline.

MetroCon’s Halloween Weekend Lineup

The Slasher Cabaret is one of several after-dark attractions during MetroCon, which runs October 16–18 at SFU. The convention itself covers horror, science fiction, and pop culture, featuring guest appearances, panels, cosplay, and exhibitors. The cabaret’s live-band format makes it accessible to audiences interested in music, circus arts, or horror, regardless of their primary focus. The show’s blend of genres, horror, live music, and theatrical performance, positions it as a unique alternative to traditional convention programming, complementing both MetroCon’s daytime schedule and the wider Burnaby Halloween Festival.

Logistics and Attendance

Admission is restricted to guests aged 19 and over. Tickets and venue details are available through the official listing, while transit options include TransLink’s bus and SkyTrain services. Motorists should check SFU’s campus road report before arriving. The production’s live-band structure and horror-themed performances create an immersive experience, appealing to fans of both film and live entertainment. The Leslie & Gordon Diamond Family Auditorium, located at 8888 University High Street, will host the event, with seating allocated on a first-come, first-seated basis.