Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Vibrant Variety”
4 / 5
Much like a fine French wine, the best cabaret shows are full of depth, finesse and quality, and Marcel Lucont’s Cabaret Fantastique most definitely delivers on these fronts, with a vibrant variety of wonderful acts at the Underbelly Festival tent in Cavendish Square.
Marcel Lucont (Alexis Dubus) hosts the show with his fantastically trademarked, stereotypically sarcastic stylish Frenchman persona. His discernment of the audience is brilliantly humorous, admonishing them for garishly patterned shirts, talking too often or for simply being Swiss and having the audacity to sell cheese with holes in. He hosts between the acts well, expertly reading audience reaction during his frequent moments of crowd work, ensuring that the energy stays high throughout the 90-minute runtime. In addition, Lucont recites a variety of pre-written poems that are hilariously performed, ranging from ‘Love On A Bouncy Castle’ to ‘Uber Driver on a Tinder Date’. An excellent host for an excellent show.
The acts selected all complement each other greatly, with a well-balanced mixture of skills and high-quality performances. Emily Winters is the first act – with a (literal) hair-raisingly unique, aerial violin-playing performance. As she serenely glides around the room, the violin adds hauntingly beautiful elevation to the already enchanting routine. Pete Heat impresses the crowd with his height, magic tricks and on-stage charismatic persona. He comedically performs his routine with ease, his confident demeanor immediately winning over the audience and keeping them invested with each well-rehearsed trick and polished punchline. Jacqueline Furey brings the heat, with her fire-breathing, striptease routine that spices up the show with her methodical yet mesmerising routine.
Unexpectedly almost stealing the second half of the show, is the spontaneous inclusion of audience participation, where three willing participants are invited on stage to show off their self-proclaimed special skills. Spoon playing extraordinaire Alessandro is the deserved winner of a Marcel Lucont pack of bookmarks, though Daisy’s impressive helicopter impression and the Swiss poet are also welcome additions to the segment. Le Gateau Chocolat closes the show with some enjoyable musical numbers, showcasing his glittering gown and bellowing voice, silhouetted in dramatic lighting for maximum effect.
Cabaret Fantastique is indeed fantastique cabaret – so for that, merci to Marcel and the wonderful selection of talented performers.
One off date on 30th August, but with a regular residency at Crazy Coqs
RatedReviewed 
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