Simon, Surrey
La Clique
Tel No: 0207 437 4311
Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square
Review Rating:
Posted on 8th October 2008
As I shimmied on over to Leicester Square, I was excited to be heading towards London's famous Hippodrome, not only because the historic establishment hasn't acted as a public performance venue for near on four years now, but because La Clique was in town.
Having read all the hype and seen the images of contortionists, Betty Boop-esque characters, and naked moist men flying around town, I really didn't know what to expect from the Edinburgh hit.
Needless to say, I was far from disappointed.
Once inside, the sweet smell of popcorn and candy floss greets your nostrils as the entire venue is decked out in circus themed decorations to set the scene for the 'international entertainment sensation'.
The intimacy of the theatre makes for a great atmosphere amongst the audience and the bars that flank the stalls means your glass is never empty. With a raucous drum roll, the show begins...
The show can be described in one word...sexy!
The flawless performances include two English Gentlemen who seemingly effortlessly carry out mind-blowing acrobatics; balancing on one another in the most gravity-defying (Elphaba would be proud) of ways!
Cabaret Decadanse perform to a deliciously camp soundtrack with puppets that are so expressive, you simply can't believe your eyes. The puppets (made of paper maché and sticky back plastic) jump into action and take on a life of their own. It simply is a marvel to behold.
Whilst each performer blows the audience away with bizarre and outrageous stunts, La Clique definitely needs to hire someone to lift the audiences' jaws from the floor as the 'Bath Boy' (David O'Mer) takes to the stage. Wearing nothing but a tight pair of denim jeans, the muscled gymnast effortlessly swirls above the audience hanging from two straps, occasionally lowering himself into the bath below. His act oozes sexuality and will definitely leave you wanting for more...and a little wet(!)
Overall, the slick changes between acts combined with the catchiest melange of music around make La Clique an absolute must-see this Autumn.
 |
