What: Blanc de Blanc Encore
Where: Fortuna Spiegeltent at The Garden of Unearthly Delights
Duration: 120 minutes
When: Now through to March 15
Genre: Circus & Physical Theatre
This week we had the opportunity to witness one of this year’s most renowned and talked about Adelaide Fringe shows, Blanc de Blanc Encore. Following hugely successful seasons of their first edition Blanc de Blanc at past Adelaide Fringe Festivals, the creative team at Strut & Fret Production House have returned again to the Fortuna Spiegeltent at the Garden of Unearthly Delights.
Having been absolutely wowed by the original Blanc de Blanc show, the standards were set high for the night. I craved the French glamour, the cheek and the luxury that the first edition oozed. And this encore had exactly what was needed to satisfy my Blanc de Blanc withdrawals. A luxurious, Parisian-style party had awaited me inside.
It was a 1920s-inspired extravaganza of burlesque dance, vocal performance, acrobatic feats and contortion, risqué comedy and of course champagne! Each performer effortlessly entranced audience members with their exquisite costumes and lingerie and eccentric, flirty personas.
Key highlights of the show include a stunning aerial solo by aerialist Tuedon, superb vocal performances by Rechelle Mansour, a cheeky yet tasteful “lap dance” performed by talented contortionist Ugi and a wild pillow fight, dance sequence sending feathers all-over. Maitre D’s Félix Pouliot and Remi Martin connected each act together with outrageous comedic skits that often hit the mark but on occasion fell short. The performer’s occasionally fell slightly out of synchronisation however, this improved towards the end.
The most striking sequence within the show, and one that will always have a unique memory in my heart is the aerial duet performed by professional Cerceau duo Spencer and Caitlin. Exquisitely crafted, there was something magical about witnessing these two performers in flawless harmony. Their male and female frames paired together with their aerial movement, silhouetted by the lighting and backed by a gorgeously sensual soundtrack, I was in absolute awe. It was mesmerising.
In comparison to the original, I missed the dancers weaving through the crowd to lovely French music prior to the start of the show, setting up the atmosphere perfectly. Also an unfilled space that was personally felt was the absence outrageously egocentric personality Monsieur Romeo from the original.
Although in my opinion, not quite topping their original show Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Blanc Encore still proves to be a must-see for this year’s festival. Outrageously extravagant and finely crafted, Blanc de Blanc Encore is a night to remember. The performer’s electric personalities, the French-style design and the sheer skill and talent on show, Blanc de Blanc Encore effortlessly transports you to a glamorous French Cabaret party that you won’t want to leave. On for the full Adelaide Fringe Festival until Sunday the 15th of March, this is one not to be missed. Blanc de Blanc je t’aime.
Written by Hayley Sutter. Find me on Instagram @hayley.sutter
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