When La Clique made a splash in 2008 the country was going through a turbulent period and it offered some heady escapism. The cabaret-meets-speakeasy is back from its world tour, and we need something to light up the darkness again. This version does the job minus the inventive thrill of the original.
Once again the audience is on the receiving end of a potent cocktail of sexy circus and music. MC Bernie Dieter, sporting black outfit and blacker Liza Minnelli bob, could have strutted straight out of a decadent 1930s Berlin bar. The acts are all eminently skilful, from minimalist champagne flute juggler Florian Brookes to extreme sword swallower Heather Holliday.
There is an erotic undertow too. Stephen Williams reprises the classic “bath boy” routine, while Charlie Wheeller soon relinquishes his shirt while rotating dramatically on the giant Cyr wheel.
Elsewhere, contortionist David Pereira performs without underwear, smearing his naked body with shaving foam in a segment is more Faliraki stag weekend than Weimar cabaret.
What is missing are true water-cooler moments. Earlier incarnations had Captain Frodo squeezing through a tennis racquet. Not envelope-pushing art this time, but still thoroughly entertaining.
Until January 4 (0333 444167, lacliquetheshow.com)
