We meet the people behind the critically-acclaimed cabaret sensation as it spins into The Roundhouse this week.
Club Swizzle is the deth-defying, gravity-defying, genre-defying cabaret sensation swirling into Camden’s Roundhouse THIS VERY WEEK.
It’s a sizzling, swizzling celebration of all that glitters, with a marvelous mélange of acts across a whole spectrum of cabaret, music and acrobatics.
Think Nicole Kidman scattering diamonds across the Moulin Rouge, think Liza Minelli high-kicking her way through Berlin’s speakeasies, think those acrobats spinning from the ceiling in that BBC ident from a few years ago (actually don’t think of that, this is a lot more glamorous than a BBC ident).
The night’s proceedings are overseen by feather boa-flinging, critically acclaimed cabaret sensation Reuben Kaye, with tittilating turns from the deliciously dapper Dandy Willington, the debaucherously diverting Laurie Hagen, and the flagrantly flexible Yammel Rodriguez. Plus a whole host of other stuff throughout the night.
We spoke to the show’s director Brett Haylock, to find out more.
Hey Brett! Tell us about yourself.
Well, I created La Soirée, and I’ve been touring that around the world. It’s been an amazing rollercoaster ride. Club Swizzle is the sister production of La Soirée. La Soirée has a solid reputation here in London, we’ve got many admirers. And it’s exciting to bring over its younger sibling.
The vibe in Camden suits it right?
Yeah! London loved La Soirée, because it required you to leave all your troubles at the front door. Club Swizzle’s exactly like that too – it’s wild. We love British audiences, you never know what’s gonna happen. And it’s no secret that they like a drink. This is a show set in a bar, on a bar, and around a bar…so it sounds like a perfect fit for the London crowd!
People’s tastes have changed in loads of things over the years, but burlesque/cabaret like this has been popular for decades. Why do you think that is?
It’s pure escapism. Old-fashioned showmanship at its best. And I think, in this world where we’re constantly bombarded by information, putting your phones down and having a rollicking night out, is universal. That doesn’t change.
Give us a bit of background on Club Swizzle.
This is the show’s European premiere. Club Swizzle was born a couple of years ago, and it premiered at the Syndey Opera House. It came out about as a result of the success of La Soirée – The Sydney Opera House wanted to follow that up. It was very popular with our brother and sisters at the gay & lesbian mardi gras too. And we just thought it was time to bring it overseas. The show’s grown up, it’s ready to face the world, and the Roundhouse in London is the place to do that.
Club Swizzle is at The Roundhouse from 31st July – 26th August. Tickets available at roundhouse.org.uk.
