La Clique
The Famous
Spiegeltent
Presented by the
Canberra Theatre Centre
Civic Square to 14
March
Review by Len Power 21 February 2016
“Sexy, spectacular and sparkling, La Clique completely
redefines cabaret – shocking, surprising and scintillating. Take an electrifying trip to a world of
glamour and abandon. Vocal, dance and acrobatic performances will leave you
awestruck.”
When you see advertising copy like this, you’d be forgiven
for feeling a bit sceptical, but ‘La Clique’ really does live up to its
advertising. It’s a brilliant show from
start to finish.
 |
| The Spiegeltent |
The Spiegeltent, a nicely designed space with polished wood,
mirrors and stained glass, provides the perfect atmosphere for this kind of
variety show. There’s magic,
breath-taking acrobatics, aerial acts, burlesque comedy, sexy costumes,
beautiful bodies and a wide variety of excellent music played by The Shuffle
Club from Melbourne with Dannie Bourne as musical director. Everything sung by charismatic singer, Kelly
Wolfgram from New York, is a showstopper.
British burlesque artist Vicky Butterfly
does a ‘Night Flowers’ serpentine dance with LED lights in her costume that is well
choreographed and visually quite haunting.
Italian-born British performer, Sophie Zucchini, has two acts in La
Clique, one as the ‘half-burlesque, half-aerial’ character Madame de Voila and
another featuring a magic trick with a red hanky that you’ll never forget. This performer is a superb acrobat as well as
an excellent comedienne.
 |
| Omar Cortes |
Gerry Connelly does his great impersonation of Queen Elizabeth
the Second with a cleverly localized speech that is hysterically funny. He also provides a magnificent piano
accompaniment for the exquisite acrobatic dancer, Chris Myland, who also teams
with Felice Aguilar in a sensual double acrobatic dance.
The handsome Remi Martin does an amazing pole-aerial act
that looks incredibly dangerous and acrobat, Omar Cortes, demonstrates a unique
way to have a bath. Paul Zenon leads the
company as master of ceremonies with excellent stand up comedy skills, great
jokes and some magic tricks of his own.
 |
| Paul Zenon |
Everything about this show works and you’ll leave with a
feeling of exhilaration. Don’t miss it!
Photographs by the Canberra Times
Len Power’s reviews
can also be heard on ‘Artcetera’ on Artsound FM 92.7 from 9am on Saturdays.
