Once upon a time, potpourri was a popular way to freshen up a space. Now, for some, it feels a bit like the lava lamp of fragrance: an outdated fad from a bygone decade.

So, why was potpourri so popular in the 1980’s, and what happened to it? Did the trend dry up… or just evolve?

NHPR explores the transformation of potpourri, from the fermented mush of the Victorian era to the perfumed and colourful bag of pine cones of the eighties, and talks to a few of the people (including Paulus!) still making potpourri today.

Burlesque: Freedom! – Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Sat 17 July

‘From the moment compère and queer drag diva extraordinaire Paulus stepped foot onto the stage, we knew we were in for one hell of a romp – talk about starting as you mean to go on. One of his opening numbers was The Masochism Tango by the brilliant Tom Lehrer, setting the tone perfectly as he hit the high notes with the ease of a seasoned pro aching to get back into those heels and in front of an audience.’

Read the full review here.

Cabaret vs Cancer have announced Paulus – The Cabaret Geek as a new ambassador to celebrate their 5th birthday. Newly appointed Ambassador Paulus , cabaret emcee, comedian and seen recently on the BBC’s ‘All Together Now’, said,

“After admiring the great work Cabaret vs Cancer have done via the cabaret community over the past five years, I am delighted to have been asked to become their latest Ambassador. Working so intimately on a show about Victoria Wood, who we lost around the same time to the disease, and being recently bereaved of a family member to cancer this year myself, Cabaret vs Cancer is a cause that has become truly close to my heart in the past 18 months. I’m grateful and proud to be formalising my support for them.”

Rose Thorne, Director of Cabaret vs Cancer said,

“I am delighted to welcome Paulus to the team, his passion for the work we do and cabaret will make him a fantastic addition to the team! I am so proud that we are celebrating our 5th birthday having made such a positive difference to the lives of so many people.”

Established in 2016, Cabaret vs Cancer celebrate their 5th birthday this month. They have awarded over £181,000 in grants to help people living with cancer to St Joseph’s Hospice, (Hackney) end of life ward; and supporting the Child Bereavement teams at St Joseph’s and St John’s Hospice (Camden); as well as donations to Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support. They are also working with BOOST Innovations to provide modern breast forms to women following a mastectomy.

Cabaret vs Cancer raises money with cabaret and burlesque shows across the country, live events at Wilton’s Music Hall and Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, and through merchandise under licence with the David Bowie estate. Quite simply, their aim is to support people and families affected by cancer.