Last night, C’est Magnifique took their show into the sky. It was the height of glamour, a soaring success and definitely one of the highlights of this year’s Brighton Fringe. OK – puns over – but it was marvellous!
C’est Magnifique are a collection of characters that could easily have been found in the decadent days of Berlin in the 1930s. They wear elaborate costumes, take risks with what they say and deliver every song with verve. As soon as you are in their company, you are being entertained, and every gesture, every wink and every nod to the darker side of life is there for a reason.
This show’s content was salacious. Cyril, the group’s leader, told us at the outset that ‘Here it is right’, a statement they ask us to repeat back, and it was. The cast performed a wide variety of songs, many of which were unfamiliar, but each
was personal and heartfelt. There was dancing, mime, clowning and comedy, all of which were performed with great style. Our personal favourite was a Queen medley, using each song in such a creative way. We don’t think we will ever hear these lyrics the same way again. Every number was delivered with passion, and they were performing constantly.
This performance has been created by the Chocolate Box Theatre, which has now been putting on shows for over ten years. They have created wonderful characters, each of them distinctly different from the others, who form a formidable team. Every one of the troupe could hold down a show in their own right, with amazing voices that filled the space and could adapt for each mood they wanted to portray.
Zelda was melodramatic, relishing in her role of senior songstress, whilst Gaylord was diminutive, but hiding a wicked streak. Bert the bellboy delivered a pitch-perfect solo, and Babette and Goldie both stood out for their amazing vocals and presence. Looking over them all, Cyril was full of camp innuendo, milking the opportunity to talk about the largest pole in Brighton. Together, their voices blended into complex six-part harmonies with real depth. The live music from Magnus Holm Sorenson (Keys) and Will Davis (Drums) enhanced the evening’s musicality and allowed the performers to be flexible in how they delivered each song.
This show is normally performed at the Tusk Club in Brighton, but for one night only, it climbed the i360’s tower to find a new home. For those of you who have been inside this Brighton landmark, you may not think of it as a cabaret venue, but it worked on every level. The audience was allowed to roam as the flight took off; the performers mingled whilst drinks were served, and then we gathered on one side to let the show begin. Who knew the floor of the i360 was the perfect tap-dancing surface?
The energy and gusto of the performance made the capsule wobble ever so slightly, reminding us that we were, in fact, 138 metres in the air. Every now and then, you caught a glimpse of Brighton from an unusual angle, and it heightened the enjoyment even further. We hope the i360 takes more opportunities like this – it was a wonderful space to enjoy a fine piece of theatre, and the night showed just how flexible this space could be.
We can’t recommend this show highly enough. The experience left us smiling and energised, with characters we would happily have spent more time with. Their ability to take their show into such a challenging space showed their professionalism and versatility, and the level of creativity on offer ensures their future shows will be just as inventive.
Future Dates:
May 29th – Wundeabarn at The Spiegelgardens – 8.45 pm
Tickets are available from Brighton Fringe.
Cast
Gaylord – Nathan Potter
Cyril – Conor Baum
Zelda – Emma Edwards
Goldie – Hannah Semple
Bert – Jack Thomson
Babette – Jodie Harrop
Magnus Holm Sorenson – Keys
Will Davis – Drums
Director – Emma Edwards
Choreographer/Producer – Nathan Potter
