I enjoyed La Soiree so much that we went twice to see the show this time around. Set in a beautiful wooden tent at The Southbank over the Christmas period we had no idea what to expect the first time. A mixture of reassuringly old fashioned circus but with an extraordinary mixture of talent, burlesque, humour and rudeness meant all the acts were mesmerising and exciting beyond anything I have ever seen before. It felt as if we’d gone back in time to a Folie Bergere style cabaret evening. The stage is tiny with seats surrounding it – we hired a booth where you can sit with nine friends in an intimate seating arrangement (AKA very squashed) complete with drinks and shout, cheer and gasp to your hearts content.
My son loved the first showing so much we re-booked to take my other two children and various friends and once again, we loved every minute. My daughter said she thought it was “the best thing she had ever seen”. I do hope they will be back next year – looks as if they are off to tour the world. So far, they have visited 14 countries and more than 25 cities with record-breaking runs and sell out shows.
My favourite was the “The English Gents” two unbelievably fit men who perform incredible feats of acrobatic skill, strength and balance and Hamish McCann’s solo second act where he does a pole routine that will make you gasp – honestly you have never seen bodies like they have before in the flesh (and if you have I want to know the details)…I wish I had a photo to show you…
Le Gateau Chocolat is an opera singing baritone with a massive twist – larger than life and got to be seen to be believed. Then there’s the passionate Saulo and Anna in a flying pole act and two aussies who are BRILLIANT in their acts – a ping pong couple and sword throwing man/woman on roller blades and an extraordinary strip tease act by Ursula Martinez that has to be seen to be believed.
Scotty The Blue Bunny – a 47 year old, two college degree educated homosexual ties the whole thing together with his comedy sketches.
I really don’t want to give any more away – the entire show was spellbinding from beginning to end and must be seen. To be honest, it had a ridiculous effect on us – we all left the building wishing we were more talented. In fact, trying to be more talented all the way home – swinging off poles on the tube and singing opera – which on rather a full stomach of alcohol was an immensely bad idea.
You’re not allowed to take shots during the show, but we got a few afterwards that give you some idea of the setting:-
Taken just before they told me not to take any photos:-
Here I am with the infamous Blue Bunny at the end:-
Here we are back at home trying to do things we were specifically told not to try at at home – I’m surprised the bloody door didn’t fall off:-
My VERY fit 22 year old son checking out his core strength:-
A very stupid middle aged woman deciding that she too could do the same thing. What was I thinking? I even bothered to go and find skiing gloves to wear before attempting it. How ridiculous do I look?
As my brother pointed out – the resemblance is uncanny – I’ve even got the same smile! When am I going to grow up and be a good example to my children I wonder:-
