Blanc de Blanc Encore

Blanc de Blanc Encore
Devised and Directed by Scott Maidment. Presented by Strut & Fret. The West End Electric. 14 November, 2024 – 16 February, 2025

Blanc de Blanc Encore is an effervescent delight—a bubbly, bright, and delicious concoction that leaves its audience utterly intoxicated with joy. The brainchild of visionary creative director Scott Maidment, this cabaret variety show is packed to the brim with hilarity, jaw-dropping spectacle, and an irresistibly cheeky sense of fun. Naughty jokes and burlesque numbers brimming with tongue-in-cheek humour create a playful atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between sensuality and satire. 

The moment the show begins, you are swept up in a whirlwind of jaw-dropping acrobatics, dazzling aerial feats, magical illusions, and fabulously fun moments of audience participation. Maidment’s brilliantly imaginative direction ties together a kaleidoscope of world-class singing, dancing, and comedic banter into a seamless and captivating experience. Each moment feels crafted with care and wit, ensuring the audience is fully immersed in a world of glamour and spectacle.

Choreographer Kevin Maher brings an electrifying energy to the stage with dynamic routines that showcase the cast’s extraordinary talents. James Browne’s resplendent costumes not only highlight the cast’s beauty but provide the freedom of movement essential to their mesmerising acts. The set and lighting design by Phillip Gladwell is nothing short of perfection, enhancing every act with vivid, artful precision. Composer Steve Toulmin’s thrilling soundtrack keeps toes tapping and pulses racing, perfectly complementing the show’s vibrant energy.

The venue itself, the West End Electric, adds an extra layer of magic to the evening with its art deco circus opulence—a setting that enhances the show’s allure and amplifies the mood of enchantment. Behind the scenes, the hard-working stage crew and ushers deserve recognition for their seamless contributions to the show’s smooth and safe execution.

The cast of Blanc de Blanc Encore is bursting with talent, demonstrating extraordinary skill, dedication, and a deep generosity in their interactions with the audience. Hosts Felix Pouliot and Remi Martin are equal parts hilarious, daring, and endlessly energetic, guiding the show with charm and flair. Mykhailo Makarov’s incredible flexibility leaves the audience in awe. Caitlin Marion Tomson-Moylan and Spencer Craig shine in their aerial hoop pas de deux, a breathtaking display of artistry and strength. Jackie Chambers and Jess Mews bring power, grace, and warmth to their performances, their excellent dancing matched by engaging stage presence. While every member of this talented ensemble is dazzling, Sasha-Lee Saunders is an absolute standout. Her voice is nothing short of breathtaking, surpassing many of the vocalists you hear in the pop charts, and her comedic timing and magnetic stage presence make her an undeniable star.

It’s rare as an adult to feel the wide-eyed, childlike wonder that Blanc de Blanc Encore inspires. This show had me awestruck and enchanted by its beauty, humour, sex appeal, and sheer magic. Like a perfectly chilled glass of sparkling Moët & Chandon, Blanc de Blanc Encore is flawless, and it’s a toast to the boundless creativity and joy that cabaret brings.

Kitty Goodall

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