The entertainment genre that fuses circus, burlesque and cabaret is booming. After seeing many shows you start to think that the artform is starting to lose its freshness. Then along comes a show like Strut & Fret’s Blanc de Blanc Encore. Since 1997 Strut and Fret have been creating interesting and diverse work such as LIMBO, Cantina and their 2016 smash Blanc de Blanc. They return to the Opera House in 2019 with Blanc de Blanc Encore and the conversation in the foyer before the show was whether the genre (and this company) had any more surprises. After a couple of hours in the Studio Theatre with quality aerial acts, comedic hosts, an audience pillow fight and a room full of bubbles there is no doubt there is still life left in this genre.
Blanc de Blanc Encore follows on from its older sibling. A celebration of champagne, hedonism and glamour. You are invited to come dressed in ‘Vintage white with a dash of sparkle’ because the audience is as much a part of this show as the performers. Volunteers are seduced onto the stage to assist acts or the crowd is encouraged to get involved in moments – such as supporting a a long rubber hose for one act or grabbing a pillow and 
participating in the mass feathered joy of an audience pillow fight in another. The show is full of bawdy gags and stunts which at times drop into crass but generally hit exactly the right tone. When the actual acrobatic acts do come up in the show they are mesmerising and perfectly executed. From Reed Kelly‘s stunning straps routine (and a body that must score a negative on the body fat scale) to a stunning duo rings act (no program so hard to credit everyone). The show’s only real miss is a choreographed number involving nude performers protecting modesty with only a towel. It’s still a lot of fun but the the ‘risqué’ and ‘risk’ in the number is completely lost when you see two performers wearing g-strings.
Taking the show to a whole new level is singer Ashley Stroud. She seduces the audience with a stunning presence and a voice that is extraordinary. Ertha Kit‘s ‘Champagne taste‘ to Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats‘ ‘S.O.B.’ – the audience was in awe of her range and power.
Blanc de Blanc Encore is a night of celebrating indulgence, fun and perfectly executed acrobatics.
Lynden Jones, Theatre Now
Blanc de Blanc Encore
Indulge your senses in an immersive, hedonistic spectacle as an all-star international cast transform the Studio in this brand-new cabaret extravaganza from the masterminds behind the original Blanc.
4 Jan – 9 Mar 2019
Tue – Fri 7pm (Except 3rd & 4th Jan 7:30pm)
Sat 6:30pm & 9:15pm (excpet 5th Jan 7pm only)
Additional Late night Performance Fri 9:45pm (From 1st Feb)
Sun 6pm
Venue: Sydney Opera House: Studio Theatre
Theatre Company: Strut & Fret
Duration: N/A
Submerge yourself in this outrageously extravagant experience, where Parisian glitz and glamour combine to create a party of Gatsby-‘esque’ proportions. This refined blend of vintage French flair, risqué humour, spectacular aerials, comedy, big dance numbers and acrobatics will astonish and delight you with opulent, cheeky edge-of-your-seat theatre.
Following their smash hit tour, the Blanc de Blanc crew returns with a new show and an international register of talented recruits, including singer Vanessa Renee Jordan (Postmodern Jukebox), aerial artist Reed Kelly (Cirque du Soleil) and crowd-favourite original Blanc cast member Spencer Novich. From bold burlesque to captivating cabaret, expect big moves, great tunes and more than a few surprises.
If you thought it was over, don’t worry – the party’s only just begun! Guaranteed to have you shouting for more, this is the encore you’ve been waiting for.
Dress Code: Blanc de Blanc Encore is a party and you’re invited to observe the theme – Vintage white with a dash of sparkle.
This performance may contain strobe lighting and theatrical haze. Not recommended for persons under 18 years. This performance contains adult concepts, nudity and references to alcohol consumption. Valid photo ID must be presented to purchase a drink from the bar. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
Ticket Prices
