Casablanca, Future Cinema, The Troxy

This Valentines Day Future Cinema staged another hit event with the classic love story, Casablanca. As usual this exceptional company have thought of everything and the immersive cinema experience is as thrilling as ever.

Prior to one’s arrival in Casablanca, everyone has to register with the French Protectorate in Morocco. One is issued with an identity card and instructions regarding the journey to Casablanca. After inspecting and searching, guests are admitted to Rick Blaine’s Cafe Americain (the magnificently converted 1930s cinema, The Troxy in Limehouse).

In true Future Cinema style, the venue is reinvented to mimic the setting from the film. Round tables are arranged in a ‘cabaret formation’ with a stage showcasing the musical and dancing talent. The brilliant retro band, Benoît Viellefon & His Orchestra play through the familiar songs and the audience is encouraged to gather around Sam’s piano while he entertains.

Visitors can try their luck in the Café’s own Casino, and dance into the night with the Casablanca cast who seamlessly blend into the audience. While you enjoy the night the great love story of Rick and Ilsa is relived around you.

All one’s senses are aroused in Casablanca. Strong martini cocktails are on sale at a small side bar, simple but delicious. Moroccan delicacies are served at the Blue Parrot Café by Moro of Exmouth Market; dishes including chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, vegetable couscous with sweet onions, raisins and harissa, as well as sweet Moroccan pastries take the immersive cinema experience onto an olfactory level, recreating the smells and tastes of this Moroccan city.

After the fun and games, the film screen emerges from the ceiling for the great viewing. Fans of this motion picture will cry with fondness and newcomers will gasp in amazement. Casablanca is an immortal film and Future Cinema’s rendition is the best way to watch it.

Continues until 23 March, tickets available here.

www.futurecinema.co.uk

Crazy Horse Paris Presents Forever Crazy, Southbank

Wow! Be warned, this is not a show for the weak-hearted.

Infamous cabaret club Le Crazy Horse Paris bring their new show Forever Crazy to London, a titillating display of beautiful bodies and captivating moves. The production is housed in a luxurious purpose-built Southbank venue. This raunchy cabaret show was opened in 1951 by Alain Bernardin on the prestigious Avenue George V and is known for its glamorous nude cabaret attracting a cool bohemian crowd. Le Crazy Horse has collaborated with celebrity guests such as Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Arielle Dombasle and Dita Von Teese. Throughout its history the Crazy Horse girls have been muses to artists, writers and fashion designers. They have walked in couture presentations and performed for some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.

My friend and I visited Forever Crazy on opening night, with no idea of the excitement and heart-wrenching envy we were about to endure. The dimly lit tent is decorated with flirtatious neon signs. In the auditorium audience members sit at cabaret tables around the room, ensuring a good view for everyone, but an absolute nightmare for the poor waitresses.

The ten Crazy girls are perhaps the most beautiful women on the planet. Despite recently watching the Moulin Rouge show in Paris, I felt naïve and unsophisticated witnessing this glorified striptease. Plumped and pouting to perfection, poised ready to deliver, these girls are too hot to handle. Don’t take your boyfriend, I even found myself getting hot under the collar. Seriously sexy, men and women will be transfixed by the dancing and exhilarating acts.

For me, it was the visuals that were most impressive. Staggering lighting design and direction from the creative team accentuate the talented performers and create wildly imaginative optical illusions. It is a feast for the eyes. My favourite acts were ‘Upside Down’ a kaleidoscope of sensuality, and ‘God Save our Bareskin’ where a well rehearsed army of girls stomp about in Royal Guards uniforms.

Overflowing with Parisian glamour and allure, these seductive French Fancies will leave you stunned and stuttering all the way home.

Forever Crazy runs until 24th December 2012 at Southbank. Tickets start from £35 and special Champagne and show packages are available.

For more info, visit: http://www.forevercrazy.co.uk/

Bestival 2012 Album

More information on Bestival here.

http://www.bestival.net/

Read TMM’s full review here.

Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled to Bestival with Wightlink on its 35-minute ferry service from Lymington to Yarmouth, one of three routes. Car ferries also operate from Portsmouth–Fishbourne (40 minutes) and there is a foot passenger catamaran service between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head (approx 20 minutes).

Call 0871 376 1000 or visit www.wightlink.co.uk for details.

Wightlink sells ferry-inclusive packages for the Isle of Wight Festival (June) and Bestival (September).