Blanc de Blanc Encore (Scott Maidment)
Much like the champagne from which it takes its name the upcoming hedonistic, circus-cabaret show Blanc De Blanc Encore will take audiences on a rapturous journey when it arrives at The Grand Electric in Surry Hills this month.
Described as an intoxicating blend of fun, flirtation & acrobatic feats Blanc De Blanc’s cast of world-renowned performers serves up an addictive blend of acrobatic artistry & risqué revelry. Speaking to Pario about the creation of the show Scott Maidment, creative director of Strut & Fret, said this show is "super beautiful & awe-inspiring."
Finding a new home
Blanc De Blanc previously ran a series of sold-out seasons prior to the global pandemic shutdown of the arts. So, as Scott explained, when they were finally able to return, emotions were running high. "It was very emotional because some of the performers had not been on stage for 2 years." What made it even more special was the fact that the show was returning to the city where it left off, albeit in a brand new venue.
The new home of Blanc De Blanc in 2023 will be The Grand Electric in Surry Hills. A venue that has been a pillar of Sydney's theatre scene for 50 years, but it too has been sitting dormant since lockdown. For Scott, this presented another exciting opportunity to breathe new life into both Blanc De Blanc & the venue that will become their new home.
"There is something really romantic & exciting about bringing an old theatre back to life. I think Sydney people are going to be really thrilled once they walk into this space, it will take their breath away."
Finding a new home for Blanc De Blanc was crucial given the logistics behind such an elaborate performance.
"Doing a show like this is crazy. To dovetail people's schedules, flights, visas & accommodation is quite complex," explained Scott. "It's not just 'let's do this show & start on this date' we really have to work around the logistics of individual performers, artists or creators. That's why when we do this we'll often do a longer tour... the shortest we'd ever play for is 8 weeks."
Internationally acclaimed cast
When it comes to the international performers who make up the Blanc De Blanc cast Scott spoke glowingly. In fact, there were 2 performers in particular that Scott credited as the "backbone" of the show. Those 2 performers being the aerialist duo of Spencer Craig & Caitlin Marion.
"I've been lucky enough that they have been with the show since it started," said Scott. "They came in as aerialists but they are also doing a lot of comedy, singing & dancing now."
According to Scott, it’s the flexibility that this provides the performers that makes it so special, & what gives him the most personal joy to witness.
"The moments that I personally like are when I see someone doing something that is not their main set of skills... In this show, the audience sees the performers do everything. Caitlin in particular, you'll see singing, dancing, & doing magic. It's not until the last 7 minutes of the show, 2 hours into it, that you actually get to see her do her main skill & then you are really blown away. That is what is really interesting about this show."
Dangerously Beautiful
The mind-blowing act that Scott references is the final act of the show which sees both Spencer & Caitlin "flying around the theatre". At this point in the show, the audience has already been on a thrilling journey which has all built to this crescendo moment. As Scott described the performance is "super dangerous but super beautiful & awe-inspiring" which takes a "party that has gone crazy & lifts it to the next level."
Follow Blanc De Blanc’s Creative Journey at: www.blancshow.com
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