La Soirée: Circus and cabaret in Leicester Square

La Soirée returns to London as an early Christmas present for all. Known the world over, this mangle of multi-talented misfits are set to captivate audiences in the recently built Spiegeltent right in the heart of the West End. Just moments away from the former residence of the show, The Hippodrome, there’s a great sense of homecoming for the renowned cabaret troupe. With so much hilarity and spectacle on offer, La Soirée proves to be sheer unadulterated escapism.

As the audience is lulled into audio tranquility by the soulful tones belonging to Acantha Lang, her cover of Aretha Franklin’s Freedom sets the high energy, cathartic tone for the rest of the evening. From there the night takes a turn as the venue is faced with acts such as The English Gents, capable of feats of extraordinary strength, and Daredevil Chicken, two masters of comedy testing the boundaries and imaginations of even the most gaudy theatregoer.

Jam-packed full of phenomenal acts, the variety is exceptional. Those who enjoy a more comedic side will be satisfied, as well as those who are looking for something a bit out there. Denis Lock’s performance involving bubbles roused a standing ovation from the enthusiastic spectators. Though it perhaps isn’t one of the most salacious acts, it’s certainly original. That’s not to say the show lacks titillation, artists such as Ursula Martinez deliver plenty of hilariously risqué material, all of it jovially embraced by a willing crowd. One thing La Soiree manages to do almost effortlessly is create a sense of intimacy, as the performers walk in and out of the seating, there is a welcome essence of community generated, preparing the audience for the “almost anything can happen” vibe of the cabaret.

Whether it’s Captain Frodo – the contortionist who has the crowd peaking through their parted fingers – or Satya Bella, a mesmerising hula-hooper, the show contains something to whet almost anyone’s appetite. Even the most discerning theatregoer would struggle not to crack a smile at the bizarre and beautiful goings-on this Christmas in Leicester Square. Visual delights await in the Spiegeltent as La Soiree gears up for a run set to amaze audiences in many, many ways.

Harry Davies
Photos: Brinkhoff Moegenburg

La Soirée is at the Spiegeltent in Leicester Square from 12^th November 2016 until 8^th January 2017. Book your tickets here.