Carnival – A Circus Opera at the Leicester Square Theatre

The production didn’t start until 10pm which I felt was a little late so we spent some time making good use of the nearby facilities. After checking out the Olympic clock in Trafalgar Square we had a quick walk around the Ida Kar, Bohemian Photographer, exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and enjoyed seeing all those artists, writers, sculptures and musicians having the tables turned on them. At 9pm the “Late Shift” ended and we had an hour to kill, so we dived into The Mermaid’s Tale for a glass of wine (which was rather large – so be warned) and a plate of mussels and French fries which were better than I had expected them to be.

Just down the side road of Leicester Place, is the tiny Leicester Square theatre. I bet you never even knew there was a theatre there! It’s probably better known for the Ruby Blue nightclub where there is always a queue. Anyway, we collected our tickets from the tiny box office (£15) and were directed downstairs to an impossibly small room with free standing chairs, a minute bar at the back and a real crush of people. I have to say that being near the back meant that it was hard to see what was going on some of the time, but those who had to stand had a great view.

The story, composed by a 22 year old Australian (Chloe Charody), is about disillusioned middle aged Mischa (played by soprano Allegra Giagu – who was fantastic) who is taken by her alter ego Freckle (violinist Sonja Schebeck – who’s playing took my breath away) into a carnival inside a magical music box. I should mention the pianist who was also very good – Yoon Hee - and the two carnival acts – Delia Du Sol playing a siren who is a contortionist (very pretty and very bendy) and a pole dancer acting as Goddess Ilythia – Amber Rosia, who I found I couldn’t stop watching not only for acrobatic feats and orange hair/turquoise costume combo but also for the cellulite on her thighs (sorry, but I really did notice this and my companion commented on it as well).

Anyway, the costumes were marvellous and most of the characters had beautiful face-painted masks with swirling foliage – it certainly created the illusion of carnival. The sparkling eyelashes of Mischa added dramatic effect. It started with some of Sonja’s lyrical violin playing, accompanied spiritedly by piano. I have to say that the music really was a pleasure to listen to – and I felt transported to the world of East European circus nights.

The hilarious and unforgettable number by Mischa was “Sux to be me”. Most of the audience were laughing and the operatic range of the singing added to the fun. I’m still humming this tune now as I write. Then there was the first display by Delia who appeared in a sparkling dress and whose smoking (with her foot) made me want to slip outside for a puff myself. Some more singing and playing ensued and then we watched the first appearance of the mature pole dancer with diaphanous veil wings. The best song of the show “Vodka” was belted out just before the interval at 1045. Act I had lasted just 30 minutes.

Act II followed a similar formula and I admit that I wasn’t as thrilled as I probably should have been by the repeat appearance of the two circus acts. And I was truly worried for the safety of Freckle when she started to, literally, play with fire. I would have liked to have seen the show in a slightly more spacious area and I genuinely could have listened to the singing and astonishing violin playing for considerably longer. It was an unusual and interesting show and something rather different to go along to. It made me smile and those two memorable numbers will remain with me for a while.

There is only one further performance planned – on the 25th March – and with the theatre being so small you are going to have to hurry if you want to go and see and hear this fringe-like production for yourself.