REVIEW: La Clique at the Spiegeltent in Leicester Square

At the heart of Leicester Square’s annual festive wonderful you will find a company of the very best of circus, comedy and cabaret, the cast of La Clique! Making their return to the West End, the show is headlining London’s Spiegeltent in Leicester Square from November 2022 until January 2023.

As a huge fan of all things cabaret, I was thrilled to be invited along to the Press Night for the show on Tuesday 15th November 2022. Having been familiar with La Clique for a few years, I was eager to delve into their unique cabinet of curiosities, absurdities, and talents for the first time. The venue, which is a temporary pop-up fringe theatre space acts as a quint and complimentary home for this genre of theatre, transforming throughout the show to incorporate a wide array of delightful acts.

Something I adore about fringe-based productions is the celebration of distinctive imagination, and a showcase of one-of-a-kind artists that you wouldn’t see anywhere else, and La Clique certainly delivered on both these elements phenomenally.

The production showcases the perfect blend of ingredients and acts you hope to find in any circus, comedy, and cabaret cocktail, including elements that I have never seen done before on a stage, which after seeing countless similar shows, was a delightful surprise!

Each and every powerhouse artist featured is undeniably skilled within their individual disciplines, and delivered splendid and spectacular displays of art, versatility and expertise. Credit must be given to Sam Goodburn, who gave a mind-blowing routine on a unicycle, all while having the audience in stitches of laughter and enjoying a few custard creams for good measure!

Closing Act 1 was the delightful Tara Boom, with an absurd, but a genuinely brilliant frenzy of comedy, carnage, and cooking (top tip, bring along your favourite topping for a popcorn treat!).

Another highlight was Mikeal Bres, who had every audience member sitting on the edge of their seats with a dynamic and daring pole act from dizzying heights, displaying strength, satire and sensational talent.

Closing Act 2 was the unbelieve talents of Ashley Stroud, who delivered a faultless and formidable vocal performance worthy of any stage around the world.

One element I would have liked to have seen incorporated was the use of an on-stage compare throughout the show to weave in and out of each of the acts, inviting the audience into the magical world of wonder in front of us through direct interaction. However, this certainly didn’t take away from each of the acts featured.

The La Clique Family truly are a formidable force of super-human artists. A troupe of talents that will have you enthralled and engaged with their selection of award-winning gifts. If you are looking for an evening that celebrates and showcases the very best elements of cabaret, circus, and comedy, come on down to La Clique this festive season, for an evening of extraordinary entertainment.

Review by Adam Tipping 

Rating: ★★★★