‘La Soiree’ sizzles at The Theatre in Solaire Manila

Inquirer Entertainment / 12:34 AM September 26, 2015

Nate at Roundhouse. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Prudence Upton

This isn’t the kind of circus you grew up watching.

“La Soirée,” the award-winning touring variety production that fuses cabaret, circus, burlesque and comedy, wasn’t exactly crafted with the kids in mind. “This show is cheeky, bold, irreverent, and at times, naughty,” founder and creative producer Brett Haylock told the Inquirer in an interview.

The acts English Gents (Dennis Lock and Hamish McCann) and Bath Boy (David O’Mer), for instance, perform their acrobatic routines bare-chested, the better to display their impressive physiques.

“It’s sexy and has an adult sense of humor, but it’s all very tastefully done…There’s nothing offensive about it at all,” Haylock said.

“La Soirée” holds a limited run, now ongoing at The Theatre at Solaire until September 27. “The energy inside the venue is always electric,” said Haylock.

Besides English Gents and Bath Boy, eight more acts, including aerial dancers, gymnasts and tricksters, are expected to complete the lineup for “La Soirée’s” Manila stop. “Some of them will be doing freaky and dangerous stuff. But each of them has a warm, generous energy that the audience will find endearing,” Haylock said.

“It’s a huge party, a two-hour celebration of the weird, the wonderful and the wondrous,” added Haylock, who first mounted the show for the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in United Kingdom.

Haylock also pointed out the show’s intimate setup, which allows the viewers to appreciate the minutest details of every routine. This adds to “La Soirée’s” charm.

“It’s played on a small stage, so the artists can’t really hide behind their costumes or makeup,” said Haylock. “It’s all about the skills.”

Since its debut 11 years ago, “La Soirée” has toured in 12 countries and 25 cities, and is slated to have its sixth season in London’s West End. The production has also reaped honors, winning the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for best entertainment in 2009 and 2015.

“La Soirée” is presented by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Concertus Manila. For tickets, call TicketWorld at 8919999.