La Clique Review – Underbelly Festival
There is something about seeing a live cabaret show, especially with a drink in hand and a friend by your side. And if you are looking for a cabaret show to book tickets to, I would highly recommend La Clique. La Clique has firmly established itself on the burlesque circuit and once again bring their show to London. Taking over the Underbelly Festival in Cavendish Square, this show is not one for the shy and retiring types. And following their London run they will be moving up to Edinburgh’s Festival Fringe in August.
I would recommend arriving early as La Clique has unreserved seating and to avoid the long queues at the bars. The show format itself is not particularly complicated, essentially, it’s just one act after the other. But thanks to the high calibre of the acts performing, it doesn’t need a complex setup. The show opens with Miss Jolie Papillon, one of the most highly skilled showgirls across the world with the reputation of “Burlesque Royalty”. Her opening performance is a dazzling peacock feather fan dance that brings class and elegance to the stage.
Next up was Katherine Arnold with some impressive aerial acrobatics that left the audience oooing and ahhing with joy. Mikael Bres shows off his skills with a break taking Chinese pole routine. Lj Marles defies gravity with his aerial straps routine and Ashley Stroud delivers songs in between acts. Sadly, not listed on La Clique’s artist page of their website is Sam Goodburn. He impressively managed to perform a reverse-burlesque whilst aboard a unicycle.
One act that really confused me was J’aiMime’s act of, essentially, being eaten by a large latex bubble. I was just baffled by the idea behind it but each to their own I guess, and the audience seemed to enjoy it. The standout act of the night for me though was Pierre and Stef, The Skating Willers III. A terrifying and incredible display of talent, the pair performed an exhilarating acrobatic roller-skating routine. There really is something for everyone in this show and is a great night out. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and would highly recommend getting yourself down to see La Clique.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Photo Credit: Scott Chalmers Photography
