Sep 24, 2021
La Soiree by Vittorio Reggianini
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La Soiree by Vittorio Reggianini
Details of La Soirée and La Lecture by Vittorio Reggianini (1853-1938)
Review: La Soirée, Aldwych Theatre, London
By Liz Arratoon
Any fears that La Soirée would lose some of its magic by being staged in London’s Aldwych instead of a Spiegeltent disappear the minute you go in; the transition from tent to theatre has been seamless. This effervescent award-winning show – helmed by genius impresario Brett Haylock – retains its magic atmosphere and continues to cast its spell.
The line-up still includes favourites we’re familiar with – step forward American comedy showgirl sensation Amy G – a wonder as a rollerskating flamenco siren – Cabaret Decadanse with their superb and inventive puppeteering skills, and the outrageous, occasionally yucky, yet beautifully attired vaudeville Vegas twosome Davedevil Chicken (check out Marc’s gaudy lemon yellow crystal-dripping suit). But huzzah, much as we love them, many of the regulars have been replaced with fresh faces. This is a really good move for La Soirée devotees, which should maybe have happened sooner.
So let’s talk about – and indeed shout about – London’s own Lj Marles, an exceptional NCCA graduate, who appears in scintillating form on his own invention of Marles tension straps; they’re normal straps but now fixed vertically top and bottom. Since its inception, he has added many more acrobatic positions, all the while swinging and swirling above us as if at play. This must be incredibly hard to execute but he absolutely nails it.
Symoné – wearing stretchy floor-length rubberised silver – puts she own sassy sizzle on to hula-hoops, manipulating them in impressive and unseen ways. And Germany’s Lea Hinz has left her signature white vest and jeans behind, and appears in a stunning creation that seems to be made from molten gold that streaks around her body. A former rhythmic gymnastic champion, she uses her extreme flexibility to devastating effect on aerial hoop.
A first for cabaret in the West End is the Russian cradle, which the stupendous Maxime and Nathan as the Chilly Brothers – any relation to the sublime Chilly and Fly? – have taken a step further by introducing hand-to-hand moves into the mix. Crazy! Hailing from the Montreal school it’s no surprise they’re so special, but chaps, smarten up your suits! And another first are the Mallakhamb India acrobats, Rajesh Amrale and Rajesh Mudki, who work on a slidey vertical wooden pole – nothing like shiny or Chinese pole – throwing breathtaking somersaults, striking poses and balancing precariously on its tip.
Fancy Chance – a familiar face on London’s cabaret circuit – blends a Loie Fuller Serpentine dance with – ouch! – hair hanging, and flies with style over the audience. There is also hand-to-hand duo Leon and Klodi, and Klodi does a cheeky nude number with Marles as well.
As ever, a word of praise must go to Haylock’s team and the welcoming front-of-house staff. You are never treated better at the theatre. La Soirée is an experience that never disappoints. The atmosphere is fun, the pace furious. A tiny cast of artists – who are talented, flamboyant, kooky and spectacular – make a big show with an even bigger heart. Go and see it, then go again – new acts joining after Christmas – you’ll love it!
La Soirée runs at the Aldwych Theatre in London until 3 February 2018. For tickets click here
Picture credit: Brinkhoff Mogenburg
Twitter: @lasoireelive @Freeze_Pop
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Performed by: Lea Hinz
Number: “Run for Love”
Style: Lyra
From: La Soiree (2014)
La Soirée (detail) by Vittorio Reggianini.
La Soirée (Jean Eustache, 1963)
La Soiree announce full cast ahead of Christmas run
Exciting times ahead for Londoners, with La Soirée moving into a new home this Christmas in The Spiegeltent, Leicester Square.
On top of that, the final acts on the set list have been announced and it sounds as though it’s going to be a ridiculously amazing show.
Hamish McCann in La Soirée at Christmas in Leicester Square CREDIT: Prudence Upton
The Olivier Award-winning cabaret show will see singer Ursula Martinez, acrobatic duo The English Gents, pole dancer Hamish McCann, bubble act Denis Lock and contortionist Captain Frodo return to the stage as well as welcoming songstress Acantha Lang, juggler Olivia Porter, acrobat David Girard, trapeze artist Jarred Dewey, comedy couple Daredevil Chickens, and hula-hooping marvel, Satya Bella.
Satya Bella performs
Needless to say, the jaw-dropping theatrical experience will definitely be one to watch, with audience members and critics alike being left in awe of the show over it’s years in the business.
La Soirée returns to London on November 11th 2016 until January 8th 2017 – click here for more info.