Having recently reviewed another Underbelly show, I was under the impression that I knew what awaited us. La Clique, housed this season in a “Spiegeltent” in the heart of Leicester Square provided a mind-blowing spectacle of acts that unfolded before our eyes!

Boasting a global tour with nearly two decades of sold-out runs, this show is not just a performance; it’s an experience. The pre-show room, adorned with holly, features a welcoming bar and upon entering the ‘big top’, a Victorian-era ambiance envelopes you, complemented by music reminiscent of “The Greatest Showman”.  We were promptly ushered to our seats by overly efficient ushers. Seats are not allocated so arrive early if you want to sit near the front, they are also not the most comfortable of seats to sit in for over 90 minutes.

The show was introduced by the ringmaster who engaged the audience with his wit and charm however his singing between acts fell a bit flat. As the lights dimmed,  a red silk rope descended from the ceiling, and a jean clad, white vested muscular performer David Pereira, effortlessly worked the rope that enthralled the audience with gravity-defying moves that defied the laws of the human body. The acts that follow are a kaleidoscope of talent, from a giant female puppet straight from Montreal’s Cabaret Decandance with plenty of attitude belted out  powerful tunes, followed by the acclaimed hand balancer Aaron Marshall who was full of swagger to the hip hop and an acrobatic hip-hop performer defying gravity with elastic bands.

The unexpected star of the night, which had us full of incredulous laughter was Tara Boom, who exploded onto the stage, looking like a mad clown who delivered a crazy performance which involved spreading butter on her body, a popcorn dispenser on her head and partial nudity…It was baffling but very entertaining!

After the interval, the stage is set for more acts, showcasing LJ Marles who mesmerised the audience with his elegant tension strap mastery,  Yuliia Pykhtina and her skills with hula hoops and then finishing the show with an element of surprise; full frontal nudity, expertly balanced with humour that keeps the audience engaged and entertained. A word to the wise to those close to the front – you are not safe from the unexpected!

In conclusion, the 90 minutes flew by all too quickly. The energy, elegance, comedy, and talent within the big top create a multi-sensory feast that is a must-see over the festive period.

La Clique is not just a cabaret/circus type show; it’s an experience that will leave you talking for days

Dates: 8th November – 6th January
Ticket prices start from £22.50, to book your ticket visit www.lacliquetheshow.com

Address: 1 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7NA

Written by Lorna Bryn
Photography by Craig Sugden