Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Freak Show Review – Roundhouse London

Where do I even begin with telling you about the powerhouse performance that was Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Freak Show. Taking up residence at Roundhouse London until 28^th August the show is a combination of a revue and fashion show. The iconic conical bra, the signature blue and white striped sailor top, the show is an explosion of style. With 18 dancers and circus performers, Jean Paul created an insane 100 costumes for a runway of 400 outfits. It was like a fashion orgasm, a fashgasm, taking over the stage.

Broken into four parts, the show takes the audience on a journey through the story of his life. And it starts with a real bang when bears wearing the famous conical bra take to the stage. Turns out it wasn’t made for Madonna but in fact his childhood teddy bear Nana, Jean Paul’s “first transgender heroine”. I could instantly tell that Fashion Freak Show was going to be a colourful, entertaining, and at times comical performance. And by far quite different to most shows that you’ll currently find on the London circuit.

The Roundhouse stage is transformed with a protruding catwalk, surrounded by cabaret tables, and giant video walls. Set designer Justin Nardella creates a real spectacle with the use of props and video displays. Alongside lighting designer Per Hörding the visual effects are a sight to behold and really captured the audience. Whilst the plot and narration are quite sparse at times, it’s so visually appealing that I can live without it.

Marion Motin has created the most insane choreography for the show leaving the audience in awe. When asked what her favourite memory of the show was, she said the S&M tableau. She never thought she’d end up working with sex toys and the karma sutra. And that lines me up nicely to say that this isn’t a show for the faint of heart. With scenes named Rated X and Protect Yourself, where the cast hand out condoms, it’s risqué at times.

Fashion Freak Show also has some really moving moments, especially when it came to Jean Paul’s relationship with Francis Menuge. He sadly passed away at the end of the 1980s from AIDS-related causes. There is a stunning piece where Pierre Antoine Bardot in the role of Jean Paul dances in an oversized jumper alone. It followed an earlier piece where they danced together in the same jumper, and really brought the feeling of grief to the forefront.

And how could I talk about Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Freak Show without mentioning the main event, the fashion itself. With an incredible 400 outfits, Jean Paul has outdone himself with some of the most stunning creations. And the way the stage is set up and the use of the video screens, it’s like watching a real fashion runway show. But a relatable one as Jean Paul always chose non models, “beauties with attitudes other than the sensual and expected sexy cliché”.

Fashion Freak Show is a mix of Jean Paul Gaultier’s two loves: magazines and fashion. He wanted the revue to be a manifesto for difference, the right to difference, the beauty of difference. And that’s exactly what he did, showcasing a unique, diverse, and fantastic cast. Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Freak Show is a celebration of fashion, diversity, cabaret, being yourself, and even life itself. I would highly recommend booking tickets for the show, pricing start from £10. It’s a guaranteed fun filled, fashion forward, entertaining night out!