Celebrating 20 years since David Bates debuted La Clique at Edinburgh Fringe, the acclaimed team return to the Leicester Square Spiegeltent for an evening of cabaret, circus and high-energy entertainment. An international ensemble of performers combines to leave audiences gasping and captivated by daring acts featuring a unique blend of humour, artistry, and charisma.
You might not immediately think of Leicester Square as an intimate venue, but the Spiegeltent really pulls this off nicely. Just a few rows around the performances (which are mostly in the centre of the tent and often above the audience’s heads so no need to worry about tall people sitting in front of you). Each performer brings their talent but combines it with such a sense of showmanship, it’s about teasing and flirting with the audience, bringing us in and investing us in the act we are about to see, it’s not just stunning physical feats, there are a lot of laughs along the way.
Over the evening, we get two sets from most performers, Miranda Menzies begins with an aerial acrobatics display as she hangs from the ceiling by her hair. It’s a pretty clear statement of intent for the show. Katharine Arnold, a legendary aerialist, stuns with hoop and then silks, jaw dropping skills.
Nathan Price and Isis Clegg-Vinell complete a roller-skating acrobatic routine on a tiny stage, the sheer speed of their spins taking our breath away. Later they combine with Cornelius Atkinson after we see his straps aerial routine, to become Trio Vertex for a trio – and when acrobatics meet freefall there are a lot of loud gasps around the tent.
Danik Abishev begins with some ladder manipulation, selling it with charisma and showmanship but then instantly grabbing everyone’s full attention by setting the ladder he is stood upon on fire. It’s again, a huge reaction from the audience. Abishev later returns to complete a hand balancing routine and dazzles the crowd as he hops across his aperture on just one hand and in only his underwear.
Asher Treleaven performs a ‘sexy Diabolo’ flicking the cup along the wire suggestively while being intensively sexually explicit to the audience, it’s the rowdy comedy section and his skills with the Diabolo are stunning. The smooth and suave gentleman juggler, Florian Brooks, first juggles with the able assistance of Bubbles the goldfish (with some water covers appearing for the front row). It’s a calmer routine than many of the others and his suaveness and almost casual approach works brilliantly – even if we all know Bubbles is the real star!
Tap Dancer and America’s Got Talent semi-finalist Bayley Graham also provides another slightly calmer set, less high octane but no less impressive. He taps across the tent, up and around the stage and works the crowd with aplomb.
Each act is top-notch, showcasing distinct disciplines and unique approaches that captivate and amaze from start to finish. Every performer comes out with the intent of wowing the crowd, and each succeeds brilliantly. There’s never a lull or dull moment; all eyes remain glued to the stage or the air above the stage! The energy is electric—blink, and you might just miss something extraordinary. Sexy, funny, and packed with jaw-dropping moments that elicit gasps and the occasional peek from covered eyes, La Clique has done it again. Happy birthday!
Reviewer: Dave Smith
Reviewed: 12th November 2024
North West End UK Rating: