Packed with dance, humour, and banging music, 'Blanc De Blanc Encore' is a scintillating night of entertainment.
'Blanc De Blanc Encore', produced by Strut & Fret, returns to Sydney after four years of nationwide touring. A classic piece of cabaret, it bares all – literally and figuratively – to create a mesmerising performance.
The two-hour extravaganza features sultry songs, audacious circus acts, and sexualised movement and comedy, cleverly tied together by a host or theme. Both hosts: the cheeky Remi Martin and his loyal compatriot Felix Pouliot speak in stereotypical French accents, and play up to the pert charm of that nationality. They appear regularly together throughout the show, either as comic relief or to give a context to an ensuing act. Though both also perform in the show’s chorus, they shine brightest when it is just them on stage.
Image © Carly Sare
The acts themselves are what one expects from good, fun cabaret. After a subdued start, 'Blanc De Blanc Encore' moves at lightning pace. The performance glides seamlessly from comedy to movement to song, keeping the spirit and engagement in the room high. The costumes are decadent and ritzy, featuring sparkling sequin and skin-tight latex. The dancers don’t mind getting in the faces (and sometimes the laps) of the audience members, often to raucous laughter. The acrobatics, featuring everything from aerial movements to balancing acts, are artsy and regularly well received. Of particular note here is an extended pillow fight sequence before the interval, covering everyone and everything in polyester, as well as the work of the costume and design crew.
Notwithstanding the promised raunch, some segments are too brash. The prolonged sounds of flapping genitalia among others appeared too much for some.
Image © Carly Sare
These moments are few and far between. The evening is spent blown away by each performer’s addictive charm, which is aptly supported by the infectious energy in The Grand Electric (neé Giant Dwarf) Theatre. The theatre space itself feels like it’s ripped straight out of Paris’ Moulin Rouge district. There’s dazzling lights of every colour, a bar in the back with a substantial stock of champagne, and hard wooden floors that reverberate a playlist featuring everything from jazz to rap. During an experience as intense as cabaret, the 'Blanc De Blanc Encore' crew deserve credit for putting on their own spectacle.
'Blanc De Blanc Encore' is a romp. Whether the audience likes it or not, they are embarking on a journey of sexuality, surprise, and celebration. Though that journey may occasionally become too extreme, the best thing they should do is know that something great is just around the corner – even if it’s another glass of champagne.
'Blanc De Blanc Encore' plays The Grand Electric in Surry Hills until 4 March.
