Melburnians seeking a vibrant blend of cabaret, circus, comedy, and burlesque need look no further than the newly opened Spiegel Haus Melbourne on Lonsdale Street. This pop-up performance precinct, which debuted just in time for the summer season, promises a Gatsby-like atmosphere with its rooftop bar and intimate venues, including an Edwardian-style Spiegeltent nestled in the heart of Chinatown.
The highlight of this carnival-like venue is Strut & Fret’s Blanc de Blanc Encore, a tantalizing showcase that pays homage to the pleasures of the grape. This performance is a slick mix of variety entertainment designed to make audiences feel as though they are sipping champagne, even if they remain stone-cold sober.
Theatrical Extravaganza at Spiegel Haus
Compèred by the dynamic duo Emile Mathieu and Felix Pouliot, the evening kicks off with a comedic warm-up that sets the tone for the night. While the opening act’s puns might not be to everyone’s taste, the physical comedy and engaging party tricks are sure to win over the audience as the show progresses.
The circus acts are a feast for the senses, featuring a dizzying aerial hoop routine by Danielle Summers and a jaw-dropping display by Ukrainian contortionist Mykhailo Makarovoak. Felix Pouliot’s muscular, gravity-defying pole dance transforms into a climactic performance that effervesces with airborne pop and fizz.
Burlesque and Musical Delights
Burlesque takes center stage with titillating striptease, drag-adjacent gender play, and erotic dance, offering something for everyone. Chanteuse Clara Fable adds to the allure with brisk excerpts from jazz standards and more obscure numbers. Her performance, though at times irreverent, fits perfectly within the show’s hedonistic theme.
“Classy only on the surface, this is a hedonistic show that denies no guilty pleasure, drenching audiences in a decadent, high-society, Gatsby-like vibe.”
Jazz at The JazzLab: A Study in Patience
Meanwhile, at The JazzLab, Joost Lijbaart and Wolfert Brederode offered a contrasting yet equally compelling performance on November 5. The Dutch drummer and pianist, who have collaborated for over 20 years, showcased their finely honed musical connection in a duo setting that captivated audiences with its quiet, compelling exchange of ideas.
Their performance unfolded as a continuous narrative, improvised and shaped moment by moment. Brederode’s piano work was a study in shadowy abstraction and harmonic motifs, while Lijbaart’s percussion added colors and textures rather than traditional rhythms.
Creating Musical Stories
Lijbaart’s ability to evoke mystery and ritual through his instruments complemented Brederode’s atmospheric explorations. The duo’s close listening and attention to detail invited the audience to lean in and listen closely, creating an enchanting experience.
“Beauty was everywhere, tinged with melancholy and longing, as though Brederode were grasping at something – a memory, an experience, a feeling – just out of reach.”
A New Era for Melbourne’s Performance Scene
The opening of Spiegel Haus Melbourne and performances like Blanc de Blanc Encore and the Lijbaart-Brederode duo represent a new era for Melbourne’s performance scene. These events highlight the city’s ability to tuck away vibrant treasures in alleyways and hidden corners, offering immersive entertainment experiences that cater to diverse tastes.
As Melbourne continues to embrace its reputation as a cultural hub, venues like Spiegel Haus are poised to become integral parts of the city’s entertainment landscape, offering residents and visitors alike a taste of hedonistic indulgence and artistic excellence.
