Flying high: Caitlin Tomson-Moylan and Spencer Craig
With its crazy mix of comedy, clowning and aerial acrobatics, last year’s Blanc de Blanc from Strut & Fret set the bar high, and the new iteration Blanc de Blanc Encore, which has just opened at the Grand Electric in Surry Hills, is just as glorious. There are some new faces this year, and some new acts, but the flavour is much the same. Expect eye-watering laughter and gasp-inducing acrobatics, a little song and dance, feathers and full frontal nudity. And a pillow fight, of course.
The suavely hilarious German-born Remí Martin is once again co-compere. His partner in crime this time around is American Spencer Novich, whose excellent clowning skills and lovable idiocy are a great foil for Martin. Their introductory number sets the tone for the evening – risqué humour, physical comedy and a smidgeon or two of audience participation. A word to the unwary: patrons are quite likely to be drawn, some more willingly than others, into this show. (And don’t think you will be safe by avoiding ringside seats.)
The other members of this international seven-person troupe, each of whom have their own special talents, are aerial duo Spencer Craig (Canada) and Caitlin Marion Tomson-Maylan (US), hula-hooper extraordinaire Jess Mews (all the way from Perth), and singer/dancers Melanie Hawkins and Sasha-Lee Saunders, who also call Australia home.
Blanc de blanc? Yes, there is definitely homage to white wine and drink throughout the show. Martin and Novich make much of the humble grape, giving an interpretation to mouthfeel that wine-tasters will not have thought of; Tomson-Moylan is happy to refill your champagne glass – from her perch on a trapeze.
Tomson-Moylan’s title of Queen of the Skies is well-deserved; her aerial feats are quite extraordinary. So, too, are those of Spencer Craig, who partners her in some acts. And Martin is not just a pretty face; his antics on the Chinese pole had audiences in awe – and ducking for cover.
Mews and her hula hoops are mesmerising. At one point, she is juggling eight of them – and she’s smiling! Just thinking about her strength and agility is enough to make an ordinary mortal reach for a glass of blanc de blanc.
Back on earth, Martin’s coyly naked delivery of ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ would make Edith Piaf weep – with laughter. Novich’s clowning solo defies description but is marvellously entertaining. There’s more, much more, to laugh about in this show. Nearly two hours of fun and frivolity, interspersed with breathtakingly spectacular acts– what’s not to like?
In Sydney until 24 March.
Tickets from $59-$159 (plus booking fee).
NB: Blanc de Blanc Encore is 18+Details at www.blancshow.com
