Blanc De Blanc

From the moment I entered the newly refurbished ‘The Grand Electric’ in Surry Hills, I knew I was about to experience something “dangerously beautiful”. The former ‘Giant Dwarf’ performance space has been transformed into a feast for the senses, with creative director Scott Maidment and his production company Strut n Fret at the helm. After previous sold out seasons, Blanc De Blanc makes a ballsy return to the Sydney cabaret scene, leaving a trail of fabulous debauchery in its wake.

The evening commences with a series of cleverly lit vignettes, accompanied by a soundtrack that poses the question “Are you drunk enough… Are you high enough?” It’s an intoxicating blend of comedy, dance, burlesque, song and aerial acrobatics, served with a generous side of audience interaction.

Boasting an international cast, Blanc De Blanc is not your average French cabaret. There were times when I thought I had been transported to a hip New York club or had lost myself in some underground Parisian parlour. It’s the kind of show where you want to look away but you just can’t. This multi talented cast fully immerse themselves in the piece, flirting with the audience and basking unapologetically in their own sensual afterglow. Keeping the show moving at lightning speed with their witty dialogue and comic timing are Felix Pouliot and Remi Martin.  Together, they are a force to be reckoned with. From “ballsy” crowd surfing to penile percussion, these two delight, shock and drive the show from start to finish. And if you’re still catching your breath at their antics, wait until they take things up a notch, doubling as aerial acrobats. In a show that’s hard to single out one star performer, special mention must be made of Martin. He never misses a beat and it’s hard to take your eyes off him - even on a stage filled with electrifying performers. Further mention must go to Emma Phillips. Hailing from New Zealand, her foot juggling prowess has to be seen to be believed.

The touring cast includes two Australians - Rechelle Mansour who is the resident chanteuse - and the captivating Melanie Hawkins, who purs and struts her way around the stage, holding the audience in the palm of her hand. The lavish costume design by James Browne adds to the show's opulence and Phillip Gladwell successfully creates the mood and ambience with his finely crafted lighting and set design.

Blanc De Blanc, unlike the champagne itself, can’t be put in a box. There are pillow fights, knife throwing balloon antics, naked towel dancing as well as limb-entwined-lovers suspended high up in air.  It’s all of your wildest cabaret dreams come true with a few nightmares thrown in for good measure. All of them etched into your psyche long after you’ve left the theatre.

As their website proudly proclaims - “believe the hype”. You don’t want to miss this show. It’s pure “hap-penis”.

Five stars from me.

Debora Krizak

www.blancshow.com