L’Hôtel is the perfect evening escape as the Sydney weather starts to chill. Audiences are treated to a dose of warmth from the sensual, intimate and truly incredible performances for a thoroughly enjoyable night out.
The show begins with a vibrant, high-energy opening number which immediate immerses the audience. Dancers go from serving as waitstaff one moment, then launch into electric choreography, while the rest of the cast prepare for the hotel‘s guests in a flurry of activity. Lucas Newland’s choreography is sharp and slick with a touch of quirky and the entire ensemble executes it in perfect unison – instantly elevating the show’s first impression. Throughout the show, the choreography makes excellent use of Reiner Jansen van Vuuren‘s set design and Joe Accaria’s fantastic music direction. The dance ensemble are expressive and theatrical yet stay perfectly synchronous – a clear display of their training and professionalism.
Each act in L’Hôtel is unique, alluring and utterly hypnotising. From Danik Abishev’s charismatic blend of handstand artistry, Danielle del Mar’s intense and dramatic hair suspension to Bentley Rebel’s sultry and powerful pole routine. Every performer has outstanding musicality and precision in every move. In between each of the dramatic aerial routines are the show’s two standout bellhops. Brendan Maclean sings and acts into the audience’s heart. His character is hilarious, charismatic and was a true highlight in an already stellar cast. Maclean does a fantastic job portraying this character, beautifully uniting each of the acts with a fantastic voice and an undeniable stage presence. Alongside Maclean’s bellhop is the captivating Masha Terentieva – she transforms into a dramatic and gravity defying bellhop with incredible flexibility, musicality and precision. Every cast member – whether dancer, aerialist or musician – shines in multiple roles, all designed to delight the audience in fresh and unexpected ways.
The set is multidimensional, with the cast encouraging guests to draw their attention to different zones, adding to the show’s immersive feel. This is definitely a production where it’s worth it to be front and centre – dazzling aerial acts are breathtakingly close, adding a thrilling rush as performers whiz past. The intimate setting of the Foundry Theatre lends superbly to L’Hôtel, enriching the seductive and theatrical atmosphere crafted by the show.
All in all, L’Hôtel lives up to its tagline – the crème de la crème of cabaret-theatre! In every aspect, this show feels carefully curated, immaculately executed and deliciously indulgent. From start to end, L’Hôtel captivates the audience completely. With a stellar international and local cast overflowing with talent and theatricality, audiences should prepare to be blown away and definitely a little seduced.
