Review: LA CLIQUE, Underbelly Festival
Roll up! roll up! to the Spielgeltent if you fancy a fun filled evening of live cabaret, burlesque, circus and vaudeville.
An international cast with unique talents make up La Clique, brought to us by Underbelly Festival at Cavendish Square (just off Oxford Street). There’s striptease, daring acts, singing and comedy. The soundtrack is booming from ‘Feelin’ Good’ to ‘Creep’ and it’s racy!
Cavendish Square has turned into a pop-up hub of outdoor bars and street food trucks - the pulled lamb burger from Ewe Pulled is highly recommended. Whilst it’s perfect for socialising before the show, don’t get too distracted by the gin bar as seats in the Spielgeltent are unreserved.
It’s dark and atmospheric in the tent. Purple and red misty spots get us in the mood. A runway jutting out from red curtains surrounded by Hollywood mirror lights create a buzz before it starts.
Mikael Bres is a pole athlete with remarkable talent. He climbs the pole and suspends himself horizontally with his arms stretched out, his upper body strength is something to behold! As he drops from top to bottom, we hold our breath; as he catches himself before his head hits the ground, we gasp. Graceful and charismatic during all the tricks, he is a highlight.
Ashley Stroud is our cabaret singer. An emerging young talent with a powerful voice, she has star quality, glimmering in a gold catsuit.
Comedy is provided by two acts. A unicyclist takes on the feat of undressing to his Y fronts and then putting his suit back on; he makes it look easy. J’aiMime, billed as a farcical showgirl, performs with a giant balloon, first on her head and finally engulfed by it. If you are tempted to try it at home, it takes great skill!
The Skating Willers astonish the audience with their fearless act. Roller-skating on a small raised circular platform, Pierre lifts and spins Stef around in death drops at high speed.
The only wrinkle for us is the striptease. Perhaps if there was a stronger dance routine it would be better, it just feels like we’ve seen it before.
But, the great thing about La Clique is that it isn’t only for people who love theatre. If you enjoy watching daredevils, you’ll love it!
Spectacular and sexy.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Victoria Willetts
La Clique plays at the Underbelly Festival until 3 July, with tickets available here.