La Clique Royale – The Queen’s Selection

The problem with developing a reputation as a daring, sexy, tongue-in-cheek circus-cum-cabaret is that returning audiences expect a lot. For the most part La Clique—a regular at the beautiful Spiegeltent—don’t disappoint, but this Jubilee-themed edition has a few distractions from the spectacle.

But what a spectacle it offers. Acrobats of such physicality they’d hold their own against Olympic gymnasts are mixed with acts of raunchy humour, such as a bell-ringing Austrian milk maid with an unusual talent, and a vampy hula hoop expert. The highlight of the show is the Wau Wau Sisters, a duo of trapeze artists fashioned in slutty punk-rock outfits whose impeccably honed act is as provocative as it is gasp-inducing: clutching and groping at each other, they negotiate the trapeze with consummate skill, each other’s life literally in the other’s hands – or feet, or thighs.

It’s just a shame we don’t see more of this. A bequiffed club singer and comic magician Paul Zenon are meant to offer a change of pace, an injection of humour, and that they do. But they can’t match their colleagues for entertainment value. Zenon, as compere, delivers an old-fashioned humour which doesn’t always hit the mark, and with so many comedians at the Fringe, you can’t help but hanker for better.

The same can be said for the ‘Queen,’ played by Gerry Connolly, who gives the show its regal theme in this Jubilee year. Topical gags about Camilla, i-thrones and royal equestrians go down well, but you’re left wanting less of this and more of that special spectacle.