Producer: Underbelly & David Bates
La Clique needs little introduction at this point, as it nears its 20th year of dazzling audiences with diverse, genre-defying entertainment. The internationally renowned, Olivier-Award-winning cabaret show is taking up residence in Leicester Square’s Spiegeltent once again to amaze audiences both new and old.
Upon entering the performance space, the atmosphere is alive with anticipation. Chairs encircle the centre podium and seating is unallocated, so audiences would be wise to arrive early to stake their claim for the best seat in the house. It should be noted, however, that the show can get messy and there is a ‘splash zone’ of sorts.
What follows is an evening of pure magic. There is a reason La Clique are considered trailblazers, as every performer showcased throughout the evening is at the top of their game.
Impressive aerial acrobatics are displayed multiple times throughout the evening, yet this skill never becomes repetitive. At the top of the show, David Pereira offers a mesmerisingly beautiful routine which feels almost too delicate for the disturbance of applause. Whereas, opening the second act, LJ Marles couldn’t be more fabulous as a daring and energetic presence who impresses with jaw-dropping tricks, in high heels nonetheless.
One of the most repeated artists of the night is Chastity Belt, who impressively belts her way through three recognisable musical numbers. Belt is undoubtedly skilled, but perhaps suffers from the highest scrupulation as the most ‘regular’ talent. While every other act comes across as the best in their field, to an untrained eye, Belt’s vocals are brilliant, not outstanding. Despite this observation, her gorgeously endearing personality and natural charisma with the audience make her a consistently welcome presence.
The creative team behind La Clique know exactly what they are doing and the production is beautifully refined to the smallest detail. Lighting design by Jamie Heseltine perfectly complements the acts on stage and fleshes out the evening’s events into an impressive multi-sensory experience.
La Clique falls short only in its running time. As a 90-minute event with a 20-minute interval, some audiences may expect slightly more bargain for their buck; yet everything displayed is irrefutably magical and no act overstays its welcome for even a moment. Impressive, sexy and bizarre; La Clique has certainly earned its place as a staple of the Leicester Square market and anyone with a ticket is in for an evening of pure delight.
Runs until 6 January 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Jaw-dropping
