The Famous
Spiegeltent
Civic
Square, Canberra until 14th March.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
It’s not
often you get to see a show starring a Queen and a Prince. But that’s what you
get in the latest edition of “La Clique” currently playing in The Famous Spiegeltent,
now residing in opulent splendour in front of the Canberra Theatre Centre.
To attend a
show in The Famous Spiegeltent is a unique theatrical experience in itself, and
certainly one to be savoured. This remarkable old relic, built by master
craftsmen in Belgium in the 1920’s, travels the world, showcasing its wares in
a deliciously decadent packaging of antique wood panelled mirrors, stained
glass windows and glowing red velvet curtains. Happily ensconced in one of the
several cosy booths which surround the stage, it’s easy to believe that Marlene
Dietrich actually performed for audiences in this very tent. So why not the Queen?
 |
| Gerry Connolly |
Indeed mouths
dropped in disbelief as the Queen, in full coronation regalia, entered the
room, and with a wicked twinkle in her eye, proceeded to address the audience.
Closer inspection confirmed that she was none other than comedian Gerry Connolly
who convulsed the audience with wicked comments directed at Canberra in
particular, and the state of the Commonwealth in general.
Expect the
unexpected with “La Clique”. This
classy, award winning revue was first conceived in 2004, as an entertainment to be performed in the Famous Spiegletent, (owned
by former Canberran, David Bates), at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Since then the show has travelled the world,
sometimes performing in permanent theatres for extended periods, but usually,
as in Canberra, in the Famous Spiegletent.
For the
Canberra season of “La Clique”, Bates has assembled a small company of
world-class physical theatre artists and musicians who pay homage to the
hundreds of artists who have preceded them, with 21st Century versions
of acts which have been performed in The Famous Spiegletent for almost a
century.
Among them,
the lavishly costumed Victoria Franklin, who manipulates a huge silk cloak
infused with multi-coloured lights, to spectacularly replicate a similar act originally
performed by Loie Fuller at the Folies Bergere in the 1890’s. Later Franklin in
a luxurious cloud of white ostrich feathers performs a version of the elegant
fan dance famously created by Sally Rand in the 1920’s.
 |
| Omar Cortes |
German
acrobat, Omar Cortes, channelling megastar, Prince, performs “La Clique’s” sexy
bathtub signature act to the sounds of “Purple Rain”. Dripping wet and swinging
on straps high over the heads of brave front-rowers cowering below under
plastic, Cortez executes hair-raising stunts between plunges into a white
enamel bath tub.
Perhaps the
loveliest act in the show begins with a young girl (Felice Aguilar) sitting
beside a baby grand piano enraptured by a piece of classical music being played
by Gerry Connolly. Seemingly inspired by the music, the girl moves to a table
which has a small turntable in the centre. She then proceeds to perform a
series of mesmerising manoeuvres in an act that is both artistic and
spellbinding.Demonstrating
her versatility Aguilar teams with dancer Chris Myland, in another part of the
show, to perform a stunning apache style adagio routine which leaves the
audience gasping.
 |
| Remi Martin |
Each
performer in this edition of “La Clique” is at the top of their game. All have
perfected acts which require incredible physical skill and control, and all
know how to connect with their audience. None more so than handsome pole aerialist,
Remi Martin, who, after being caught with his pants down, proceeds to thrill and delight with his incredible human
fly feats performed on a pole reaching to the very roof of the Spiegeltent.
Rubber
faced, Sophie Zucchini makes her first entrance under a huge black hat, and
demonstrates her amazing flexibility performing gracefully on lengths of silk.
But it is her hanky panky with a red silk hanky that few who see it will
forget. Most magicians simply take off
their jacket to demonstrate that they have nothing hidden up their sleeve..but
not Sophie .. she goes further…much, much further with her unforgettable act
which is stylish, funny and extraordinarily entertaining.
 |
| Sophie Zucchini |
All the acts in "La Clique" are accompanied with live music from Melbourne combo, The Shuffle Club. Their excellent arrangements provide the necessary drama and excitement and also highlight the musicianship of Dannie Bourne (piano), Ashley Gordian (saxaphone), Rod Gilbert (Drums) Marty Hayley (Guitar) and James on double bass.
Adding
glamour and finesse to the superb sounds of The Shuffle Club is glamorous New York
chanteuse, Kelly Wolfgram whose warm, flexible vocals are showcased in a sultry
blues solo during the show.
The
transitions between acts are smooth and efficient but made particularly memorable by wry Master of Ceremonies, Paul Zenon, who is perhaps not the
most competent magician in the world, but certainly among the most
entertaining.
 |
| Paul Zenon |
For anyone
who enjoys top class physical theatre, stylish burlesque, heart-stopping
thrills and glamour, “La Clique” performed in the Famous Spiegletent is about
as good as it gets.
This review also appears in Australian Arts Review - www.artsreview.com.au