Le Gateau Chocolat returns with Johnny Woo and 140 kilos of packed “draggage”.
Cabaret sensation and Fringe favourite Le Gateau Chocolat does not travel lightly, hauling a crate load of fabulously flamboyant wigs and gowns down under. As a Fringe regular, Gateau decided that Adelaide deserves “the good shit”.
In addition to the sequined gowns and flowing wigs, another new visitor to our shores is the lithe and feminine co-star Johnny Woo. Together, the pair mercilessly satirise the pomp and indulgence of the musical theatre genre that they love.
The crowd at the Australian premiere of 'A Night at the Musicals' was jam-packed with self-proclaimed musical theatre tragics. The duo warned from the outset, though, that you could not expect note for note renditions of the classics. This can be frustrating, on occasions, such as when Le Gateau’s soulful voice soars on Les Miserables’ ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, only to be interrupted by a hair dressing joke.
You do not go see a Gateau show simply for the voice, however; it is the entire package; the rich and resonant baritone voice, the glamorous gowns and the comedy to be gleaned from the juxtaposition between the two.
It was clearly evident from the enormous line that snaked outside the Studio 7 entrance that Le Gateau Chocolat is not a niche attraction but a mainstream draw card.
Adelaide audiences know that there is nothing to fear from a drag show or from drag queens. The only thing that going to see a Gateau show says about your identity is that you are a person who enjoys being entertained. Johnny Woo, with his hilarious lip syncing interludes (including a raunchy lap dance to `Mein Herr’ involving an audience member) is a welcome addition to proceedings.
Gateau has more costume changes than Diana Ross and possibly more style too. Snap up tickets to one of Adelaide’s favourite adopted Fringe divas.
'A Night At The Musicals' plays The Garden of Unearthly Delights until 13 March as part of Adelaide Fringe Festival.
