We all have role models and people (or other) that we’ve looked up to in our lives, who’ve given us strength through difficult periods, and comforted us in times of need. For one British-born Nigerian teenage boy these icons came in the form of some of music’s biggest names: Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Pavarotti, Madonna and Meat Loaf.
Mr Chocolat (previously known as Pain au Chocolat) has put all these influences into one 75-min show, delivering soul-moving renditions and heart-warming stories and quips about life, love, religion and art.
With a voice to make the very foundations of the Spiegeltent quake and quiver, this bearded baritone will leave you yearning for more. His voice reaches unbelievable depths, beautifully contrasted by the fluttering or his long and luscious eyelashes. This man knows how to work a stage.
But overall the show lacks structure, and would benefit from a bit more storyline. Le Gateau has us in the palm of his graceful hand from the very beginning, and need only find a little more balance between story and song to keep us there.
Worth a mention are the two outstanding musical contributors on either side of the stage. Fantastic work on the keys and guitar.
Le Gateau is undeniably a wonderful performer, oozing charisma and charm from the second the lights hit his sequins. There are many, many lough-out-loud moments and a couple of poignant, moving ones too. Have a nibble or have the lot – you’re bound to come away with a smile on your face.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
Le Gateau Chocolat
Cabaret sensation Le Gateau Chocolat’s international smash-hit is a joyous and moving celebration of the musical heroes, moments and relationships that shaped his life and inspired his dreams.
23 – 27 January 2019
Wed, Thur 8:30pm
Fri 7:40pm
Sat 7:20pm
Sun 5pm
Venue: Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent
Theatre Company: N/A
Duration: aprox 75 minutes no interval
The beautiful, bearded baritone delivers show-stopping renditions of Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Pavarotti, Madonna and Meat Loaf between stories about growing up gay in Nigeria, being bullied, religion, finding love and losing a loved one.
Live from a teenage bedroom furnished with pop-star posters, hairbrush microphone and wind machine, Le Gateau moves between his public and private personas, charting how the universality of music – pop, opera and rock – connects with a British-born Nigerian boy’s own objects of worship.
★★★★★ “A diva nonpareil, his bass baritone can make mountains quake” – The List
A great show is best accompanied with a fantastic feast. Combine your show ticket with a Festival Feasts dining package with Madame Shanghai for $55 + $1 booking fee.
Image: Eli Schmidt
Ticket Prices
$60 – $70 bf
