It is a tantalising invitation that largely delivers on its seductive promise.
Director Scott Maidment has assembled a highly acclaimed ensemble of international circus performers. Bold and brazen or slick and sensual it is in the individual acts that Blanc de Blanc dazzles and astounds. Bell hop Milena Straczynskis aerial gymnastics, while suspended in a baggage trolley infuses the show with a touch of style.
The rubbery-spined Spencer Novich delights the audience with his uniquely manic clowning. In her magical dance of the hula hoops, Jess Mews spins and twirls the hoops in amazing patterns of grace and motion. Aerialists Straczynski and Hampus Jansson rise Botticelli-like from a bubbling spa in a display of sheer elegance in flight.
Acrobat and contortionist Shun Sugimoto twists like a pretzel and bubbly blonde, Laura New gets things popping with her interactive balloon-pricking routine.
Its a clever counterpoint to JaiMimes immersion into an enormous inflated balloon with a surprising outcome. To top it all off cabaret turns burlesque as Novich finds himself front and centre with Tuedon Ariri and JaiMime in an adults-only nude ménage a trois.
As a showcase of cork-popping talent from the worlds finest circuses, nightclubs and festivals, Blanc de Blanc fizzes with a satisfying bouquet of adult entertainment.
It is in the transitions between the acts that Blanc de Blanc loses some of its zing. Direction and choreography become repetitive and audience participation, while providing fuel for laughter at some unsuspecting victims expense, appears gratuitous.
For the more sophisticated palate, the show could well do with a keen dramaturgical eye and a freshly scripted narrative.
Cast members of Blanc de Blanc strut their stuff.
Photo: David James McCarthy
The long queues waiting to enter the Spiegeltent from the cool night air attest to the popular appeal of acrobatic feats, clowning and burlesque, and the magical allure of the Spiegeltent. Blanc de Blanc is like a palatable champagne, matured in the cellar of quaffable entertainment and ready to be served, though possibly not to the more discerning connoisseurs complete satisfaction.
If its just a fun night out youre after, then Blanc de Blanc at the Spiegeltent is certain to pass the taste test for an evening of sparkling revelry.
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