Melburnians seeking an eclectic blend of entertainment need look no further than the newly opened Spiegel Haus Melbourne. Nestled on Lonsdale Street in the bustling Central Business District, this pop-up performance precinct has debuted just in time for the summer season. With its rooftop bar and intimate venues, including an Edwardian-style Spiegeltent, it promises a unique cultural experience in the heart of Chinatown.
The centerpiece of this vibrant venue is Strut & Fret’s Blanc de Blanc Encore, a daring fusion of cabaret, circus, comedy, and burlesque. This show, as its name suggests, is a Dionysian celebration of the pleasures of the grape, offering a slick showcase of variety performance that evokes the sensation of sipping champagne, even for those who abstain.
Blanc de Blanc Encore: A Night of Decadent Entertainment
Compered by the comedic duo Emile Mathieu and Felix Pouliot, the evening begins with a warm-up act that is as much a comedic mishap as it is a prelude to the main event. Known for their ability to milk a joke, the duo’s opening puns may test the audience’s patience, but their physical comedy and engaging party tricks soon win over the crowd.
The show features a dizzying array of circus acts, including an aerial hoop routine by Danielle Summers and a remarkable contortionist performance by Ukrainian artist Mykhailo Makarovoak. Felix Pouliot’s pole dance defies gravity, culminating in a finale that is both explosive and effervescent.
Burlesque takes center stage with titillating striptease, gender-bending performances, and erotic dance, ensuring there is something for everyone. Chanteuse Clara Fable adds a musical dimension, singing jazz standards and more obscure numbers, though her comedic take on Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue may not be to everyone’s taste.
“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.”
While the retro 1920s styling may render some aspects of the show mainstream by today’s standards, Blanc de Blanc Encore remains an immersive experience from a company with international acclaim, offering a delightful way to inaugurate this new performance venue.
Jazz at The JazzLab: A Masterclass in Patience and Improvisation
Meanwhile, across town at The JazzLab, Dutch musicians Joost Lijbaart and Wolfert Brederode captivated audiences with their jazz performance on November 5. Known for their long-standing musical partnership, the drummer and pianist have been collaborating for over two decades, their synergy evident in their seamless communication and improvisational prowess.
During their two sets, Lijbaart and Brederode engaged in a continuous exchange of musical ideas, crafting narratives that unfolded moment by moment. Their approach eschews fabricated drama in favor of organic development, inviting the audience to experience the music’s evolution in real-time.
Brederode’s piano work is characterized by shadowy abstractions and lush harmonies, while Lijbaart’s percussion adds texture and color rather than keeping time. His use of temple bells, shakers, and flutes creates an atmosphere of mystery and ritual, enhancing the duo’s enchanting soundscape.
“The duo’s close listening and attention to detail invited us to lean in and listen closely too, conjuring a spell of enchantment from which we were reluctant to emerge.”
The Broader Cultural Impact
The opening of Spiegel Haus Melbourne and performances like Blanc de Blanc Encore and the jazz duo at The JazzLab highlight the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Known for its hidden gems and alleyway venues, Melbourne continues to be a hub for innovative and diverse artistic expressions.
These events not only provide entertainment but also contribute to the city’s cultural tapestry, drawing both locals and tourists to explore its rich artistic offerings. As Melbourne embraces the summer season, venues like Spiegel Haus are poised to become central to the city’s nightlife and cultural landscape.
Looking ahead, the success of these performances may encourage more pop-up venues and unique shows, further cementing Melbourne’s reputation as a city that celebrates creativity and diversity.
