Review: Sabrage (Lafayette London)

Review by Izzy Tierney

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two grand openings are taking place at London’s stunning Lafayette: the world premiere of cabaret spectacle Sabrage; and sabrage, the ceremonial practice of opening a champagne bottle with a saber, after which the show is named. Promising “an extravagant evening of intoxicating allure and riotous edge-of-your-seat entertainment”, Strut & Fret and Menier Chocolate Factory have created an enticing night of glitzy debauchery that succeeds in keeping that promise.

Brought to life by eight extraordinary performers, Sabrage is a fabulous mix of comedy, unique talent and seductiveness that leaves you continuously guessing what weird and wonderful thing will grace the stage next. There’s dancing, singing, and acrobatics; champagne, feathers, and bubbles; towels, roller skates, and parasols and almost as much audience interaction as there are grapes. I would love to go into detail about each of the fantastic acts, but part of the enjoyment is the anticipation and surprise of never knowing what to expect, so I will try to keep my descriptions spoiler-free as the less you know prior to watching, the better your experience will be.

The night is hosted by hilarious comedy duo Remi Martin and Spencer Novich, who through their effortless stage presences ensure the audience immediately warms to their interesting dynamic and codependent relationship... make of that what you will. At one point Martin whips out a musical instrument that truly penetrates the ears, and at another Novich mimes an impeccably timed physical sequence that ranges from Miley Cyrus to Wicked to Donald Trump in a random yet oddly cohesive performance. Every cast member is captivating in the spotlight, oozing charisma with each dance number and routine, a personal favourite being Emma Phillips’ incredibly niche but astonishing circus act, which deserves a tremendous amount of applause.

Rechelle's gorgeous vocals fill the intimate venue beautifully, Christian Nimri's roller skating aerial acrobatics are a delight to witness, and Skye Ladell is mesmerising in a slow, sensual dance solo; her silhouette perfectly sculpted against a circle of glowing red light in what is just one example of the consistently phenomenal use of lighting in the show. Completing the group is Duo Wonderlust, a partnership formed of Kimberley Bargenquast and Flynn Miller, whose performances are excellent throughout, with palpable chemistry during their breathtaking aerial routine - something I could easily have watched much more of.

Directing the madness is Strut & Fret's Scott Maidment, whose pacing of the show is expertly executed as he contrasts the slower, calmer sections with the fast-paced hectic ones. Maidment uses Lafayette's space phenomenally, a highlight being the placement of cast members around the venue, popping up in brief spotlights to create immersive-style performances. Speaking of immersive, audience participation is frequent in the stalls, which I massively enjoyed (probably because I wasn’t picked to do anything) but if that’s not your cup of tea, you’ll be safer in the balcony.

I absolutely loved Sabrage, a peculiar self-pleasuring miming sequence being the only part I didn't, and I guarantee there will be something for everyone in this show, with its large variety of performances from an extremely talented ensemble. If you like La Clique, Cirque Du Soleil, or you enjoyed A Very Naughty Christmas last year, Sabrage is definitely for you, and if you've never seen anything like that before, then this show couldn't be a better way for you to pop that cherry!

Sabrage is sexy - it's fun, it's a visual feast with glamorous Moulin Rouge-style costumes and its ridiculous, obscene humour is hilarious. If you're looking for something unpredictable, astounding, and with nudity galore, pay a visit to Lafayette and indulge in the one and only: Sabrage.

Sabrage plays at Lafayette London until July 6th

For tickets and information visit https://www.lafayettelondon.com

Photos by Matt Crockett