What would happen if 'The Little Mermaid' met 'Jaws'? Le Gateau Chocolat and Jonny Woo have the answer.
This dynamic duo, dubbed the 'French and Saunders of drag', explode into Adelaide Fringe to bring audiences beloved musical numbers from Broadway to West End and back again.
It's all the shenanigans and assholery that will be instantly familiar to anyone who has ever attended a Gateau and Jonny show – but with a fresh coat of paint in the third instalment of their 'A Night At The Musicals' series.
It's their campest show yet, with bigger wigs, crazier costumes, questionable choreography, and plenty of laughs. And if you aren't familiar with them, Le Gateau Chocolat is an award-winning cabaret icon with experience in drag, cabaret, opera, musical theatre and more; and Jonny Woo is the undisputed queen of east London's queer scene – a trailblazer and celebrated alternative cabaret artist.
We sat down with this pair of showtune-singing superstars to learn more about just what it is they'll be bringing to Adelaide Fringe.
This is the third instalment of the ’A Night At The Musicals’ series. Why do you think people have enjoyed it so much?
Jonny: People love it because it’s so much fun! Gateau and I have been best pals for more than 20 years and we’re always having an absolute party on the stage! A party that everyone is invited to. Each time we make a new version of the show we turn up the dial on foolishness and production values which just makes it more and more fun.
Gateau: Exactly! IT’S SO MUCH FUN! We just played a phenomenal sold-out month of shows in London in January, our audiences were raving about how much fun they have. We’re up there being absolute clowns on stage, and audiences are invited to sing along, get up and dance, and share in the fun. You just can’t beat the universality of musicals. As a British Nigerian artiste there is something comforting and joyous knowing that 'The Sound Of Music' or 'Grease' would resonate deeply with an Australian as much as it did with me, growing up.
And what will you be presenting in this iteration?
Gateau: Now, that would be telling. No spoilers! But I will say this, production values, costume changes, and absolute ridonkulousness from Woo and moi.
Jonny: Oh don’t be a tease Gateau! Give the people what they want! It’s our 'Summer Lovin Tour' so expect some singalongs from 'Grease' and 'The Sound Of Music'. And this time. . . Yep, I'm doing some 'Rocky Horror'. It always got requested in our 'jukebox' section and I've caved to pressure and I'm going in! You can probably guess which one and I love singing it. . . And it comes with a rather sweet tale too.
Le Gateau, what do you love most about the art of performance?
As someone who is visibly different; my race, my size – I relish the opportunity to underline commonalities and our shared humanity.
And you, Jonny?
Hmmmm, I love the immediacy and being in the moment. Sharing space, ideas, humour with Gateau and the audience. And I'm a silly show off who like to take his clothes off on stage. . . So yeah. . . There is that! As well as getting to belt out some of my favourite songs on stage and really play the fool.
What is the main thing (apart from of course the theme of ‘musicals’) that you have taken from the previous two shows, and made sure it’s in this one?
Gateau: Joy. After two years of a socially distancing pandemic and mask wearing, it is humbling and enervating to bring people joy, comfort and distraction, in that one hour you spend with us.
Jonny: Well we are essentially a double act so the bounce off of each other which just gets easier over time. But also a tightness to the show and a pace and energy that you learn over time. So we hope the hour whizzes by and fills people with joy from the start. The show has been developed during our previous trips, so you might recognise some but everything has been buffed and polished and honed and there is plenty of brand-new stuff too.
Where did each of your love for musicals come from?
Gateau: Escapism. The chance to see the world differently. To hope. To dream. To dance. Very easy to fall in love with – as a child.
Jonny: I did musicals at school. Mainly Rodgers and Hammersteins, so my faves are actually 'Carousel' and 'South Pacific', song wise. And I listened to 'Les Miserables' on repeat when they first released the cast recording on LP. . . That's a 'long play' record for any Gen Zedders!
What’s the most audience-loved musical you’ve presented so far… And why do you think it’s that one in particular?
Gateau: For me, it’s a toss up between 'Grease', 'Les Mis' and 'Frozen' for their universality. 'Grease', in particular, is a glorious time capsule of high schooling, proms, first loves. . . That we wished we all had.
Jonny: 'Grease'! Fact. It's in our blood. Everyone just knows the songs. Even if you've never seen it, everyone know 'Summer Nights'. It's great fun pop in a musical with of course two amazing stars singing. . . That's Olivia and John by the way, not me and Le G!
Le Gateau, what are you most looking forward to about Adelaide Fringe?
Just coming back to Australia. Your glorious weather, maybe visiting a winery or two, and reigniting the love affair I’ve had with Adelaide Fringe audiences since my first fringe in 2008! Plus I am determined to hug a koala this trip, so I’m looking forward to a day off for some adventures about the Hills.
And you, Jonny?
I love Adelaide. I love the beaches. I love escaping dreary wintery London in the middle of Australian summer! I can’t wait to visit Maslins again to get some sun on my cheeks! Plus I just really love the Fringe in Adelaide, so I can't wait to see what other shows are on offer.
'A Night At The Musicals 3: Summer Lovin Tour' plays The Roundhouse at The Garden of Unearthly Delights (Adelaide Fringe) 17 February-19 March.
