La Cage aux Folles

Welcome to La Cage aux Folles, the hottest nightclub in St Tropez. When the curtain rises, drag queen Zaza (Nathan Skaines) is the star of the show. As the curtain falls, he is Albin, faithful husband to the club's owner Georges (Adam Bartlett). But will Albin have to take on a third role, when their son brings home his fiancee and her conservative family? Based on Jean Poiret's play of the same name, La Cage aux Folles makes a timely return to the stage with far-right politics on the rise.

Nathan Skaines was the standout star of the show. His feminine movements, quirky punchlines and off script humour had the audience simply transfixed. The role was made for the actor, who claimed the stage and found the perfect blend between taking the spotlight when necessary and allowing supporting actors to shine.

The plot brings endless humour but delivers a moral that we should all accept who we are and never try to change that. With songs including the Iconic ‘I am What I Am’ and showgirl style routines, delivered by men, this show is like no other musical you will ever see on the stage. The supporting cast had an on-stage chemistry which was electrifying for the audience to watch, and a particular highlight was Matthew Dunne, who played Jacob. He absolutely stole the scene every time he entered – whether he had changed his costume or not – his comedic timing was on point and is a force to be reckoned with.

Setting the show in a drag club means plenty of opportunity for exquisite choreography and dazzling costumes, particularly on the chorus line who play the drag artists at the club.  A special mention in this show to performers Donovan Wagner, Phillip Maas, Darcy Morris, Willian Chen and Michael Redfern who were tucked away little treasures. Darcy Morris was hilarious as Hanna (the dominatrix) and the other performers embodied everything about the Drag style.

Director David Harrison has taken this huge personality of a show and transformed it into a story that will have you shimmying in your seat, to cackling, and back to silence during the serious moments. The balance of a simple set and big costumes makes this production at Phoenix Ensemble one of a kind.

You can watch any show at the theatre and take on board the story, the set and the audience reactions. But the one thing you can’t always guarantee is that you will walk away with the feel-good factor.

Mel Bobbermien