REVIEW: Blanc de Blanc Encore

Blanc de Blanc Encore is an intoxicating, vivacious evening of high-class cabaret bubbling with surprises.

There isn’t a dull moment in this thrilling show packed with burlesque, comedy, aerial arts, live singing and lip-syncing – with plenty of eye-candy and audience interaction to boot.

This Strut & Fret production comes from the creators behind the original Blanc de Blanc (2016) and features a captivating international cast of top-shelf performers.

Original host and clown Spencer Novich (USA) pairs well with multi-talented co-host Remi Martin Lenz (Germany).

The high calibre cast also features alumnus of Postmodern Jukebox: singer and dancer Ashley Stroud (USA), Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour: aerial hoop duo Caitlin Tomson-Moylan and Spencer Craig (USA and Canada) and aerial artist Reed Kelly, and The Greatest Showman: contortionist Uugantuya “Ugi” Otgonbayar (Mongolia).

Dancer and burlesque artist Skylar Benton (USA) has performed alongside the likes of Dita Von Teese, and the sole Australian cast member dancer Laura New (Aus) returns to the Studio from the original cast of Blanc.

Set and lighting design from Philip Gladwell elevates this production into a dazzling, sumptuous affair and the work of choreographer-to-the-stars Kevin Maher is the key to the immersive nature of the show, with performers popping up around the multiple levels of the Studio with wicked speed.

This is the perfect cocktail of ludicrous humour and opulence featuring performers at the height of their craft. It would make a mind-blowing intro to the world of the cabaret spectacle for uninitiated friends (but FYI – perhaps don’t bring any recovering alcoholics, this is a show best enjoyed with a champagne flute in hand).

Blanc Encore is unadulterated, shameless entertainment that cannot be oversold and is well worth splurging on. (AM)

Until Mar 9. The Studio, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney. $69-$119+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com