Besties, it's never too early for Christmas! And now that we're halfway through November, we think it's time for a visit to **Christmas in Leicester Square** and the Spiegeltent in which La Clique finds its home for many weird and wonderful, surprising and impressive cabaret acts that promise to amaze and excite you.

The whole night out is an experience as you walk through the lovely Christmas market in the transformed Leicester Square; the atmosphere starts here and doesn't end until you leave the area. It's just a wonderful place to be, even if you aren't going to see La Clique, we recommend you pop down to the market. Once you enter the TARDIS-like venue for performance, you are greeted by what seems to be a bar that is bigger on the inside! It really is bustling and allows for complete immersion in the cabaret style of performance.

The stage itself is small and allows for intimate performance, which the acts use to their advantage, especially Bernie Dieter who often interacts with the audience in her recurring performances - beware if you're sat on the front row! She acts as a host figure for the evening, a familiar face in-between spectacular acts whilst also owning her personal chance to bring the house down with her incredible voice, which fills the venue brilliantly and further builds atmosphere throughout the audience, as she encourages us to make as much noise as we like when we see something we like!

We won't spoil all of the acts you'll see in this show, as some definitely need to be left to surprise! Every performance on stage though, we can assure you, is as impressive as the last. One second you'll be shocked, then the next you'll be laughing, and then after that you'll be on the edge of your seat hoping what's about to happen doesn't go wrong!

A stand out performance for us came from Craig Reid, aka "The Incredible Hula Boy" (no prizes for guessing what he does!) Not only does he amaze us with hula skills though, he also - paired with the silently charismatic Mirco Kockenberger - puts on an incredible quick change act, which is surely the most unique you'll have ever seen and adds the element of comedy. This show is pure variety!

Another worthy mention must go out to the incredible live band, who provide brilliant accompaniment to all of the acts on stage. It's wonderful to be able to see them share the stage with the performers. Especially the saxophone player Leo P, who gets his own moment to shine as he dances with his saxophone around the tent in the most bizarre and high energy music performance we think you'll see.

La Clique is a wonderfully fun and rebellious night out filled with variety and talent. And right in the centre of Leicester Square, you can make an entire afternoon of it. Do be warned though, the performance is not for younger children so keep that in mind when booking. Otherwise, enjoy your evening at La Clique!

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Callum Wallace

La Clique plays at the Underbelly Spiegeltent in Leicester Square until 8 January 2022.