Time to run away to the circus: one of 2010's hit cabaret shows returns for a new two-month season from tonight.
Last year's cabaret sensation La Soirée has changed its line-up yet again but the crazy circus vibe is still there. Having evolved from the famed freakshow that was La Clique, they entertained thousands in a dedicated Big Top outside the National Theatre last winter; twelve months on, they have moved north of the river and set up camp in Camden's Roundhouse.
This is a variety show which prides itself on the high quality and breadth of its revolving cast of performers. Amongst the acts returning are world-class turns like the pole-swinging English Gents, plus-size diva Le Gateau Chocolat and the impossible-to-describe-impossible-not-to-love Mooky Cornish.
Alongside them are the little and large acrobatic duo Chris & Iris, Ukrainian hoopster Yulia Pykhtina and the Freddy Mercury-inspired Mario, Queen Of The Circus. Nate Hooper will be tap dancing as he juggles machetes, aerialists Katherine Arnold and Hugo Desmarais will debut their midair duet and this will be the last chance to see La Soiree veterans The Skating Willers.
In contrast to the highly-polished international production Cirque du Soleil, La Soirée provides a spit-and-sawdust experience bursting with individual examples of very talented men and women doing amazing things without recourse to CGI or a budget big enough to bankroll Greece. Go.
La Soirée will be at the Roundhouse from tonight until 29 January 2012 including a special New Year's Eve show. Tickets are from £15 and include a programme. The show lasts 2 hours and is not recommended for children. More information here.
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