Review of ‘La Clique’: “A Grinchy pleasure”

Excitement explores every possible meaning in this sensually dazzling show returning to the West End for the Christmas holidays. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the piece, to let us know if, in this carousel of talent, the merriment does go around.

“We are the creatures of the night!”, cries the mysterious singer as he lurks from the shadows. The allure of Leicester Square’s Christmas market has taken a different turn pass the red-velveted curtains of its tent theatre. There might not be twinkling stars, but there’s a burning sparkle. You may not find that holiday magic floating in its air, but there’s a scent of bewitchment. And by all means do not expect to be enthralled by anything close to childlike wonder. Because if there’s something that’s not allowed in here, that’s innocence.

It looks as if Santa Claus has changed his mind this year. For on this occasion, those who have been naughty have hit the jackpot (no pun intended). La Clique has returned for Christmas time, bringing back the zest (and thirst) of its seductive spectacle through a different showcase of beguilement, talent and entertainment. Blending their regular troupe of oddities with a pack of fresh newcomers, this unusual family welcomes us into their house of sweet mayhem – where nothing’s exactly as it seems, and surprises become the expectation.

A visually engaging (sometimes, jaw-dropping) variety piece, the montage excels at creating an aura of fantasy and excitement, regaling us with a well-balanced combination of grandiose splendour (thanks to its rather impressive acrobatic numbers) and a latent comedic tone that keeps the emotion high – but also light. With an infectiously upbeat rhythm driving its narrative all the way through, its storytelling is, however, still in need of better craftsmanship – as despite the use of some framing devices to transition between renditions, there’s a lack of cohesiveness in the way the whole thing is presented; missing that guiding thread that, though not crucial for its success, would have provided the montage with a stronger identity and contrast within its genre.

Nonetheless, this shouldn’t be an obstacle for its enjoyment – specially for those seeking a night of simple, feel-good fun combined with slight traits of artistic delicacy. Such tricks come right under the sleeve (when she’s wearing any…) of juggler Tara Boom – giving quite a hilarious portrayal during the first half through her corn-popping dance (no metaphor used here), while introducing us to a radically dissimilar style in her eye-catching (and somehow, heart-touching) shuffling performance during the second. Another mention is fairly deserved by Montreal puppetry duo Cabaret Decadanse, building up the show’s amusement through their priceless, imaginative and incredibly lifelike portrayals of old-fashioned divas – carrying out an uproarious, yet intricate delivery of their solid craftsmanship.

Lively, camp and a bit adventurous, La Clique has steamed up the upcoming winter season by bringing warmth and some flaming heat to its little stage. Though by far not edgy to anyone acquainted to cabaret performances, its the quality of its seen-before repertoire that makes it rise slightly above. You will laugh, you will be captured and, for roughly an hour and a half, you will forget about a world whose light may have been dimmed by its foggy reality, but the bubbling dash of this kind of montages can help it reclaim its shine. And who knows? Maybe there’s something else you may will-y to do after seeing it (just go watch it, and you’ll understand).

La Clique plays at London’s Leicester Square until 6 January. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara