La Soiree

La Soiree
Edith Spiegeltent, Cathedral Square, Hay St, Perth. Jan 13 – Feb 26, 2017

La Soiree allowed Perth Fringe-lovers to kick off this year’s FringeWorld a fraction early, opening a week ahead of the official launch. Direct from London’s West End, La Soiree is becoming something of a FringeWorld icon, in its third year at the festival.

In a new location, Cathedral Square, nestled next the City of Perth library, and in a new Spiegeltent, WAAPA’s ‘Edith’, this show remains classic, naughty, fringe-style entertainment.

A mixture of familiar acts and new surprises, La Soiree has broad appeal and some amazing talent. Audience favourites, rubber-man, contortionist and comedian Captain Frodo bends his body and your definition of what is possible, while Hamish McCann has a beautiful to watch pole dance (which doesn’t begin to describe the act).

New to Perth are some thrilling new performers. Vocalist Acantha Lang is a mix of Princess Tiana and Vegas Star and enthrals the audience with her beautiful voice and a heap of verve. Satya Bella entrances with a stunning hoop act. Aerialists Katharine Arnold and Bret Pfister deliver equally amazing but very different acts. Valerie Murzak balances stunningly atop a mirrorball and the final act, Leo and Ursula a roller-skating duo is an absolute thrill.

Lily Martinez is appropriately a little slower-paced with an act that blends magic and the strip-tease, while Scotty the Blue Bunny is a very funny, delightful change of pace.

The show is 18+ as it does have adult themes, and it is attracting a very diverse crowd who all seemed to be having a great time. Getting in the queue early may allow you to be very close to the action, or you can chose to guarantee being ringside by purchasing appropriately named ‘posh tickets’. Almost the archetype of Fringeworld experience I recommend this show to lovers of circus, burlesque, and comedy and those who want to have a dabble in the FringeWorld experience.

Kimberley Shaw

Images: (top) Acantha Lang - photographer Brinkhoff-Moegenburg and (lower) Bret Pfister - photographer Kim Haugaard.

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