Review: Blanc de Blanc Encore
It appears that no Brisbane Festival is complete without a Strut & Fret Spiegeltent show—so, following the Brisbane opening of Blanc de Blanc Encore, we know that the 2022 Festival is just around the corner. Time to book your tickets to your first BrisFest show…
If you’ve seen previous Strut & Fret shows then you will know what to expect from Blanc de Blanc Encore: stylish burlesque blended with high-paced song, dance, comedy, and a sprinkling of circus feats. If you are new to these events, you can look forward to adults-only risqué entertainment with a 1920s-speakeasy vibe, and with the occasional wow factor.
Blanc de Blanc Encore delivers a high-paced 100+ minutes of variety-style entertainment, ranging from song, dance and European-style clowning, through to foot-juggling, Chinese pole and aerials. Be ready for a quick and entertaining ride.
The 2022 Brisbane cast features eight talented performers. Emile’s circus and MC-ing is ‘fantastique’—including entertaining grape-catching, and a body orchestral number (a beat-boxing penis rendition of ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’) that had many audience members in fits of giggles. Joe DeSoto acts as co-host, with high-speed (and highly-flexible) comic solos including a speed lip-synch medley.
The show has a number of big song and dance numbers—including the first-half multi-gendered Moulin Rouge-style ‘can-can’, which the team describe as their iconic French Maids act (definitely one to look out for!), and the risqué and funny ‘towel dance’ (an entertaining way to open the second half). Rechelle has a fabulous voice and stage presence, with some great numbers. Skylar Benton has a compelling stage presence and costumes, and a fantastic solo ‘smoking’ dance. Melanie Hawkins works hard throughout the show, including demonstrating what I can only characterise as an ‘unusual response’ to classical music (replete with enthusiastic audience participation at one point).
Personal highlights were the circus segments—particularly the Chinese pole, corde lisse (rope) work and ‘duohoop.’ Spencer Craig has been a member of the Blanc de Blanc cast since 2019, and brings high-energy pizazz to the whole show, including a starring role in the French Maids act. Emma’s paper parasol foot-juggling and balance is dextrous, fast-paced, and entertaining, and Caitlin Tomson-Moylan’s aerial work is elegant, skilful and stylish. Charles-Éric is simply superb in the ‘Dancer in the Moonlight,’ when flying high on corde lisse (rope) and demonstrating powerful Chinese pole skills. Absolute highlights of the show were the second-half bending pole—over and above the audience (what a way to pour champagne)—and Spencer and Caitlin’s quite amazing ‘Love Hangover’ duohoop. Powerful, controlled, passionate, intense, creative, and just breathtaking, the duohoop finale alone is worth the price of admission. No wonder that the only way to follow that performance was with the curtain call for all of the performers.
Strut & Fret’s Scott Maidment (Director/show conception) has another winner on their hands, and congratulations also to fellow creatives (Kevin Maher [Choreography], Philip Gladwell [Lighting & Set Design], Steve Toulmin [Musical Composition], James Browne [Costume Design], Spencer Novich [Comedy Consultant] and Laura New [Additional Material]).
There is so very much to love about the stylish and high-paced Blanc de Blanc Encore. Yes, I’d like to have a slightly higher circus quotient, particularly in a show where there is no live music and with top ticket prices of over $140. But in the current climate it’s understandable that the program changes or is subject to artist availability. Perhaps that’s all the more reason to plan on seeing all future Strut & Fret shows (particularly if some of our local circus talent join the cast, or when Mirko Köckenberger or Bath Boy [David O'Mer] are making an appearance). But, first, make sure you go along to Twilight Electric to enjoy Blanc de Blanc Encore.
Verdict: Strut & Fret shows can be relied on for a high-paced, risqué mix of alcohol-themed circus, burlesque, song, and dance, which makes for an entertaining evening out with friends. Book tickets while you can.
Image supplied.
Audience information: The Brisbane Blanc de Blanc Encore run officially opened on 28 July 2022 (closes 18 September), with performances Wednesday-Sunday (7pm Wed-Fri, 7:45pm Saturday and 6:30pm Sunday, plus matinees on Sat [5pm] and Sun [4pm]). 18+. Sexual and alcohol references, adult themes, occasional full-frontal nudity, on-stage representation of smoking, limited smoke haze, and significant quantities of feathers (‘pillow fight warning’ for asthma/allergy sufferers). Twilight Electric is a Strut & Fret venue, located Maritime Green, 147B MacArthur Ave, Hamilton (free parking and connected with public transport, including City Cat services). Suggest arriving at least 30 minutes early to select your seat. On-site bars and Donut Diner. Tickets $89.83- $145.36, or $894.48 for a private booth for up to 8 people (prices for evening shows, and include booking fees. Cheaper tickets are available for Sunday matinee performances, where prices start at $62.69pp), and pre-purchased companion card tickets are available with appropriate ID. 120 minutes (including 20 minute interval).
The reviewer attended the 28 July 2022 performance (7pm).