Paris can-can cabarets 'threatened by economic crisis'

The world famous can-can cabarets could soon disappear from French capital Paris, as the global economic meltdown is keeping the nocturnal clientele away from the popular late-evening shows, industry experts have warned.

In fact, one of Paris' most famous cabaret venues is closing for five months due to lack of custom, while others are closing at least once a week or offering cheap admissions, as the economic crisis keeps nocturnal clientele away.

The Bobin'O in Montparnasse, which opened in 1873 and whose stage has been the launch pad for many stars, including iconic singers like Edith Piaf and Juliette Gréco, will shut from late March for five months.

"The crisis is starting and is beginning to be felt. Companies are spending less and hesitate before booking," The Daily Telegraph quoted show producer Gérard Louvin as telling the French newspaper Le Parisien.

Lido, another cabaret venue famous for its feathered beauties, is offering cut-price admissions -- two tickets for the price of one -- in an attempt to woo back "cash-strapped" customers. Paradis latin has decided to shut on Mondays to keep costs down.

The Crazy Horse, renowned for its perfectly-formed nudes, has admitted a "drop" in clientele. "If the cabarets disappear, the whole image of Paris will suffer," cabaret advisor Jean-Claude Halle was quoted as saying.

The only venue that remains in the pink is the Moulin Rouge, still buoyed by the publicity from Baz Luhrmann's film, starring Nicole Kidman. After a 97 per cent full rate in 2008, however, business fell by 10 per cent in February.