By Annabelle Rosewarne
There is a certain kind of unmatchable magic that the circus brings. We are reverted to a childlike wonder, watching death-defying acts, things we thought weren’t even humanly possible, brought to life right before our eyes. La Soirée brings this exact childlike wonder, but even better. The only difference is...this show is not for kids.
It is a sexy and sultry night of breathtaking live entertainment. A circus-meets-burlesque, variety show consisting of several incredible heart-stopping acts, one following another. Each is more staggering than the last.
Like any good circus, we are transported into another world. It was like I’d stepped into the 1920s at a vaudeville show, or perhaps on set for The Greatest Showman... I was just waiting for Hugh Jackman to appear! The warehouse space is transformed, reminiscent of a classic circus Big Top. Strings of lights are hung to create a tent-like peak above a small circular podium stage.
Audiences are seated in the round, in bleacher stands, or at small cabaret style tables. No matter where you’re seated, you won’t miss a single sequin. I was fortunate to be seated near an aisle, an invitation for the performers to directly interact, flirt with, and dazzle me. In this world of La Soirée we are encouraged to revel in debauchery. As stated by the Emcee of the night “it is not a show to sit back, relax and fold your arms”. Grabbing a drink from the bar is endorsed, as is loud clapping, cheering and general indulgence.
The performers themselves are just jaw-dropping. We begin with a puppetry act (Cabaret Décadanse). A disco diva lip-syncs to Studio 54’s “If You Could Read My Mind” to get the ball rolling. Following this is an impressive string of acrobats (Fratelli Rossi), contortionists (Irina Bessonova and Vladimir Todorashko), magicians (Lily Martinez, Charlie Caper) and musicians (Carla Lippis).
One acrobatic duo from India (Mallakhamb India) perform some gravity-defying stunts. Their core strength and flexibility astound as they counterbalance one another, climbing on a single wooden pole.
Aerial artist Ben Lewis flies through the air on ropes, the energetic Will Meager wins the crowd with a Cyr Wheel contraption act, and a seemingly drunken man dangles from a chair near the ceiling. Adrenaline-inspiring drops are performed with such skill, his body stops barely an inch from the ground. Another duo, the Ukrainian contortionist couple, bend in a way I didn’t even think was physically possible, coiling so small I literally couldn’t look.
However, perhaps the most gobsmacking act to watch was the incredibly sexy knife swallower, Lucky Hell. The innuendo is obvious, and she does not shy away from it in the slightest. Like I said, this spectacle is not for kids. She taunts and teases the audience, licking and swallowing her knives in a way that breaks the rules of logic.
All in all, La Soirée will have you goggle and marvel at the incredible talent of the performers like a kid in a candy store. I have so much respect for the skill and work that has gone into such a dazzling display. You will leave believing in magic again.
Photos Supplied by La Soirée
All opinions and thoughts expressed within reviews on Theatre Travels are those of the writer and not of the company at large.