OBSERVER: Blanc de Blanc Encore
Dwarfed by the office and retail towers of Lonsdale St, the Spiegel Haus Melbourne is a festive little nook — and the perfect setting for the riotous debauchery of Blanc de Blanc Encore. Boasting a mix of international and home-grown talent, the show is an intoxicating blend of bawdy comedy, lip-sync, cabaret, burlesque, and a dash of circus — and it’s strictly adults only.
Conceived and directed by Scott Maidment, one half of the creative duo behind Strut and Fret (the team also responsible for The Garden of Unearthly Delights at Adelaide Fringe), Blanc de Blanc Encore bursts with energy, clowning, shock, and spectacle.
Emile Mathieu and Felix Pouliot — both Canadians and Cirque du Soleil alumni — emcee the proceedings with French accents, infectious enthusiasm, and unrestrained cheek. Their antics are undeniably fun, if occasionally a little overcooked.
While very much an ensemble piece, each of the seven performers shines in their moment under the spotlight.
Among the Australians, Clara Fable oozes sensuality with her tantalising and seductive vocals, while Melanie Hawkins and Flynn Miller impress as accomplished, artful dancers – Hawkins with a divine, sultry silhouette strip, and Miller with comic mastery.
A standout is the elegant Danielle Summers (UK) on aerial hoop, who later, somewhat less elegantly, dangles upside down pouring champagne into the lifted glasses of enthusiastic audience members. It’s a shame we didn’t see more of her impressive skill.
Mathieu also proves his talents extend beyond emceeing — his performance on his “organic” instrument leaves the audience roaring with laughter and disbelief.
Pouliot dazzles on the Chinese pole, taking planking to audacious new heights.
Contortionist Mykhailo Makarov (Ukraine) delivers some jaw-dropping, shoulder-socket-defying feats that delightfully disgust the crowd — not one for the squeamish.
The luxurious costumes (James Browne), atmospheric lighting and set (Philip Gladwell), and sultry choreography (Kevin Maher) combine to create an aura of lushness, sensuality, and excess that simply drips with pleasure.
Blanc de Blanc Encore is a dazzling and utterly entertaining cabaret experience.
Venue: Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Season: through to end of January 2026
Bookings: spiegelhausmelb.
com
Cost: $99 – $149
Review by Beth Klein