Tag Archives: dance

Moulin Rouge, Feerie, Paris

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The Moulin Rouge is an iconic landmark, and a must see Parisian extravaganza of feathers and fluttering lashes, foolery, flirtation and fun. Immortalised by painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and more recently remembered in Baz Luhrman’s famous film makeover, the glittering windmill is an image that we all associate with the glitz and glamour of vintage Paris.

As a wannabe Parisian girl who travels to the ‘city of light’ regularly, it seems bizarre that I have never seen the show at the windmill. The epic cabaret performance has become world famous, a legendary exhibition of beautiful bodies, colourful costumes and awe-inspiring acts.

Shows run twice nightly, at 9pm and 11pm, there is the option to dine beforehand; champagne is an almost compulsory addition to the evening. We stepped off the Eurostar train at 10.19pm exactly, dashing through Gare du Nord in search of a taxi. With no supper in our stomachs and the adrenaline of arriving in a new country keeping us awake, we drove straight to the 11 o’clock Thursday show buzzing. Skipping the queue (always book prior as it is usually sold out), we marched straight through the velvety windmill interior to take our seats in the plush auditorium.

The theatre itself is divinely sensual, circular tables glow with flickering lights and waiters skim the floor offering drinks. There is a hushed romantic feel in the crowded sea of audience and a great sense of friendship amongst visitors as groups share tables, chat and squeal throughout the show. We were sat next to a group of lovely ladies who insisted on topping up our champagne flutes and giggling with us at the daring acts.

The Moulin Rouge’s show, “Feerie” is a whimsical and magical production created by Doris Haug and Ruggero Angeletti. With complex choreography from Bill Goodson and stunning designs by Corrado Collabucci, it is a truly unique spectacle. Feerie aims to fulfil all the audience’s dreams with its four scenes: ‘The Moulin Rouge today and yesterday’, ‘The Pirates’, ‘The Circus’ and‘The Moulin Rouge from 1900 to…’

The show is captivating and utterly divine, polished and beautiful from start to finish. Highlights include an athletic girl swimming underwater with five squirming pythons in an impressive tank, the famous French Cancan, the staggering ‘singing in the rain’ balancing act and the incredible final dance – an explosion of bright pink people all over the stage.

I loved every minute of The Moulin Rouge and understand now why this famous show receives such rapturous applause and appreciation every night of the week, 365 nights a year. At the Moulin Rouge the music, dance and magic never stops.

More information here: http://www.moulinrouge.fr/

Leave it on the Floor Film Premiere, Leicester Square Theatre

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On a damp, Olympic fuelled Wednesday night a select group of Londoners gathered at the Leicester Square Theatre for the premiere of Leave it on the Floor, a vivacious, colourful musical set around the LA Ball scene. It is an intimate affair with an eccentric, elite crowd of men, women and elaborately dressed drag queens. Creeping through the bedazzled and bejewelled troupe, I felt very underdressed, normal and bland!

Theatrical legend Simon Callow introduced director Sheldon Larry who enthusiastically announced his prized cinematic work. This original musical takes its inspiration from the documentary Paris is Burning. Leave it on the Floor concerns a group of outcast gay, transvestite and transsexual men strutting their stuff in assorted fashions as they compete on the catwalk before a panel of judges. The film documents the trials and troubles of handsome lead Brad, who finds himself a new family at the House of Imminence after being kicked out of home by his bullying mother. We watch as the romance and drama unfold in a musical which manages to be strangely touching.

It is a poignant and memorable narrative and as the film develops, I was amazed to discover how affecting and touching the musical manages to be. Surprisingly even my macho guest admitted to enjoying this unconventional film. The cast are confident and convincing and work together in a collaborative team; stars Ephraim Sykes, Andre Myers and Phillip Evelyn are particularly impressive. The rest of the audience seemed equally engaged, watching fascinated while adjusting their wigs and stockings. The girls toilet queue was an equally shocking show of costume and flirtation as ladies and “ladies” both lined up waiting their turn for a cubicle! I was reminded of my favourite West End musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert as I admired the extravagant and intricate clothes and immaculate make-up… it put me to shame in my hideously casual boyish attire.

After the viewing guests were treated to a magnificent show from the Supreme Fabulettes and the most hardcore of visitors then went on to continue celebrating at Madame Jojos round the corner.

Leave it on the Floor was on at the Leicester Square Theatre.

Afternoon Tease at Volupte, Chancery Lane

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Cakes and cabaret, it turns out, is a pretty good combination. Volupte is the sultry and fabulously sexy hang-out where vintage gals come to drink tea and be voyeurs in on the burlesque bonanza. While one butters scones and scoffs sandwiches, one is treated to performances from cabaret singers and beautiful burlesque artistes. Located down a side street in Chancery Lane, you would never expect such a fantastical place in the land of lawyers. The room is filled with small tables and a challenging small stage is set up for the performers and a drum-piano duo.

Upstairs the Bon Bon bar is beautifully decorated and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or four! I adored this bar and the drinks the expert barman made for us: the ‘Miss Marshmallow’ is sugary but spectacular and the ‘Hard Candy’ comes customised with a sweet bracelet. My friend, who was suffering from a horrible cold was treated to a medicinal Hot Tottie cocktail which she said was delicious and very efficacious.

Showtime began at 3pm and our host sashayed onto the stage. Our compere for the day, Vicious Delicious, was more vicious than delicious and slightly scary especially from the proximity of the front row seats! Cackling and screaming abuse at the one and only male in the room, she introduced the acts for the afternoon. Each dancer or comedian was entertaining and fun though for real wow factor… we had to wait until the star act was introduced.

Miss Polly Rae provocatively stalked the stage, clad in a slinky crystal dress, a beautiful performer that one cannot help but fall in love with. Coy and cute, daring and delicious, I was utterly captivated by this fiery redhead who has established herself as a prominent part of London’s cabaret-burlesque scene. As the star of the show she performed twice, first singing-speaking a clever attitudey song about the misconceptions of a burlesque dancer then coming on at the end to delight us all with the fluttering birdlike dance for which she is known. She is divine and her performance spectacular.

I was too distracted by the titillating showcase to take much notice of the tea… though the scones and sandwiches were delicious… in particular the mini raisin scones with thick clotted cream and strawberry jam. It is the cocktails and wonderful alcoholic teas that really excited me… and I cannot wait to return to try more of the extensive and innovative cocktail list.

Volupte’s very special themed afternoon tea is a fun way to frolic and fantasise on a Saturday afternoon, I absolutely loved it.

Afternoon Tease costs £42 pp including show and full afternoon tea with a glass of fizz.

Visit the website to book here.