La Soirée's Spiegeltent at Southbank Centre

Fresh from a world tour and declaring they are running with their ‘hottest line-up yet’ LA SOIRÉE is a cabaret and circus spectacle that leaves you wide eyed and breathless.

From the moment you arrive you know this is no ordinary show. You’re welcomed with warmth and humour, encouraged to go back and forth to the bar, and reminded that this is a night about audience enjoyment and involvement. You can, of course, just sit back and gently applaud if you want to – but everyone around me was roaring and fully enjoying every moment. There’s opportunities for audience participation too – if that’s your bag.

La Soiree showcase different artists and tonight the beautiful Frisky kicks us off with a stunning version of Finally and then as the tempo increases so does the heat within the tent. The English Gents have to be seen to be believed, they have an athleticism and precision that you would be certain was faked if it wasn’t happening right in front of you. This is acrobatics and performance combined to create pure entertainment, and they were definitely one of the favourites on the night.

The women are equally impressive, there’s the stunning and sexy Yammel Rodriguez with her penchant for Cuban cigars, Artic Monkeys and teasing burlesque acrobatics on a single strap. Then there’s the beautiful and provocative Melanie Chy who epitomises sexy girls on motorbikes and sets quite a few men and women’s pulses racing before she proceeds to stun us with her strength and talent.

Mario – Queen of the Circus combines his athleticism with an unadulterated love for Freddie Mercury that is hilarious and completely crowd pleasing and then there’s Mooky. Mooky is our clown – a sensational invention of neediness, vanity and utter lack of self-awareness with a giant dose of clumsy – she slightly terrifies us all – in the best way.

I’ve probably forgotten a few people but everyone involved is part of creating a kaleidoscope of theatricality that makes for a brilliant night out.

It’s an unforgettable evening that never loses pace and captivates couples, groups, singles alike. It’s intimate and belly laugh funny whilst being a visual parade of human wonder. Lots of audience members had obviously been before and come back for more – and you can see why, this is stand out show that’s got more than a little something for everyone.

My favourite act of the evening came from one of the English Gents who educates us in the ways of bubbles. It’s a clever, technically difficult piece of theatre that is completely joyful. It’s everything that La Soiree stands for – reminding us to live in the moment, that all we have is now – but that now can be completely spectacular! You should all book tickets immediately.

Review by Roz Wyllie

La Soirée returns to London following last year’s Oliver Award-winning season.

The hit cabaret show is back for another awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping and downright unmissable run at La Soirée’s Spiegeltent at Southbank Centre.

A theatrical phenomenon, an inspirational night of live entertainment: La Soirée’s heady cocktail of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety is more potent than ever. Returning to London with their hottest line-up yet, La Soirée showcases the crème de la crème of the cabaret world as it introduces the newest members of its dysfunctional family alongside very dear old friends.

So step in from the cold, leave your troubles at the door and prepare for a night of thrills, shocks, laughter and disbelief as La Soirée banishes the winter blues and leaves you wanting to see it all over again.