Premium Content:

REVIEW: Le Gateau Chocolat is Iconic

Nigerian-born drag singer Le Gateau Chocolat is a veteran Adelaide Fringe performer but always premieres new work here before taking and moulding it for the world fringe and cabaret circuit.

 

- Advertisement -

Le Gateau Chocolat – Icons | Fringe World | Until Jan 31

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

It’s easy to see why Le Gateau Chocolat is an international Fringe favourite. The queen of cabaret embodies everything the festival is about: creative spirit, self expression and a touching narrative from the margins of society. ‘Icons’ is a fabulous, fun and emotional musical journey through the iconic moments in Gateau’s life.

The performance opens with the set dimly lit in blue, casting an ethereal light over the seemingly jumbled set. The stars two accompanying musicians and the audience begin to make sense of the scene – a simple bed, a clothes rack and an assortment of posters that tell of Gateau’s personal icons. Images of artists and characters like Bowie, Michael Jackson, Jem and the Holograms and the Care Bears cover the wall giving a taste of what’s to come.

The music builds and Gateau’s haunting and powerful vocals hum throughout the De Parel speigeltent. The audience and frantically looking about the arena to see where the soulful crooning is coming from, as a large glamourous figure makes his way through the centre of the crowd. As Gateau hits the stage, the music builds into one of the most powerful, surreal renditions of Kate Bush’s ‘Running Up That Hill’ and the show starts to thunderous applause.

Gateau connects his songs with tales selected from various moments through his life, which he deems iconic. The tales range from upbeat medley’s complete with vogueing to Madonna, to a very intimate moment where Le Gateau shares the deep sadness of losing a dear friend to suicide. The beauty and soul of his vocal performance couple perfectly with his earnest and open style of storytelling for an incredible night of cabaret theatre.

Le Gateau Chocolat’s story is from the fringes, but it will pluck at the heartstrings of all. His incredibly powerful vocal talent, the intimacy of performance and earnest narrative makes this one of the best shows on offer at this year’s Fringe Festival.

Don’t miss Le Gateau Chocolat’s Icons, Monday 25th – Sunday 31st January at the De Parel Speigeltent. Tickets available from www.fringeworld.com.au.

 

Latest

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Conservative group says Trump win renews hope of turning back same-sex marriage

Brian Brown from the International Organisation of the Family says he's hopeful the laws will be changed.

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with their most recent album Nonetheless but this British duo has been pushing out hit after...