La Soirée translates as ‘the evening’ in the English language. The title, jovial sounding, doesn’t give too much away, this forming the show’s appeal. Returning for its 14th year at the newly refurbished Aldwych Theatre, the audience favourite offers its usual brand of the unusual and the outlandish.
Courtesy of La Soiree 2017/2018.
If you’re looking for the unconventional, the amazing, the unapologetically daring this Christmas season, then La Soirée promises to tick all of these boxes. Renowned for its eclectic line up of aerialists, jugglers, contortionists, hula hoopers… the list goes on, the Olivier award winning circus variety show has garnered praise both nationally and internationally. This year’s line up witnesses yet another impressive assortment of creatives, including the multi talented performer, Clarke MacFarlane, A.K.A Mario Queen of the Circus whose expertise in juggling, unicycling and comic timing, have seen the Freddy Mercury inspired performer create a unique stamp on the circus world. Ahead of La Soirée‘s Christmas run, Theatrefullstop were able to speak to Clarke about the importance of showcasing diversity within the circus world, his inspirations for training in the circus arts and why London is his favourite place to perform.
Move over Coco and Krusty, there’s a new clown in town and he goes by the name of Puddles! A clown with a 21st century twist, Puddles fronts Puddles Pity Party, a band renowned for their theatrical yet soulful renditions of well known classics. Puddles currently stars in the international hit cabaret show, La Soirée, which makes a welcome return to the UK! Ahead of the show, I was able to speak to Puddles about being one of the new acts on the show, touring with Tenacious D and being a Youtube sensation!
Situated off of the Southbank, La Soiree is the kind of wonderful escapism one can usually only imagine. If you follow the signs from the main riverfront, you will stumble upon the stunningly crafted Spiegeltent, full of beautiful people and alluring cabaret music. We were greeted and shown to our seats by fabulously dressed hosts and readied ourselves for the nights entertainment.
