'Duckie' is Cabaret legend Le Gateau Chocolat’s delicious reimagining of the Ugly Duckling in a show for young and old.
Le Gateau Chocolat is a cabaret powerhouse, touring the world with a stack of solo shows, playing in incredible venues and festivals since Gateau was just a cupcake. He has a baritone voice that will vibrate to your bones, and a penchant for lycra, sequins and panache. 'Duckie' is his first foray into children’s theatre, is toned down sequins-wise, and has a powerful message that most wish we grew up with: be who you are, and be proud of it.
Duckie wants to play, to make friends, to explore, but the rules of fitting in are restrictive. Don’t we know it! Duckie tries to join the circus and be like a sassy lion, a seal, or an elephant, but again the disparaging voice of antiquated rules and society’s expectations weigh him down. But Duckie has a secret talent. ‘I am what I am’ is the core theme and take-away message.
While watching the show in quite a hot theatre, listening to the almost robotic, recorded voice of the narrator, this reviewer wondered if the many children were engaged and entertained the whole time, not having any to ask. But the crowd of kids eagerly responded at every invitation for participation, laughed at the sassy lion and burp gags and danced to the soundtrack of Disney and pop songs, along with their very happy parents. Some children bounded out of the theatre afterwards to meet Duckie, who was there to meet, greet, hug and chat, which is a testament to Gateau’s performance. The theme was appreciatively received by parents and kids
Le Gateau Chocolat is a brilliantly talented and inspiring personality. Parents of Adelaide should embrace the opportunity to take their kidlets to see 'Duckie' and introduce them to his mould-breaking form of cabaret, so they can say they saw if before it won all those awards.
'Duckie' performs The Garden Of Unearthly Delights weekends until 14 March as part of Adelaide Fringe Festival.
