Review: Chicos Mambo: TUTU, Sadler’s Wells

Chicos Mambo: TUTU was conceived, created and choreographed by the much-feted Philippe Lafeuille. In an interview Lafeuille spoke of “…creating bubbles of light …” and the multi-award winning Chicos Mambo: TUTU certainly does so. Its triumphant return to London, a scant 15 months since its last UK outing, is warmly welcomed by adoring audiences. 

Eighty minutes of eloquent dance allows us to marvel at the tutu-trousered ensemble as they romp through a seemingly endless variety of music and dance. This joyous creation is a testament to breaking boundaries of gender norms as these glorious professionals parade their range of dance, acrobatic, aerobatic, and slapstick capabilities.  Their dance prowess, athleticism, hairography and armography are amusingly and captivatingly choreographed (Lafeuille and Flavie Hennion). 

The cast journey through the childlike characterisation of infancy, clad solely in tutu-diapers. Their infantile mannerisms, mobility and humour draw laughter and applause from their audience.  Younger audience members can be heard laughing delightedly throughout the entire show. The rapid changes of costume (Corinne Petitpierre) take us from Swan Lake (or duckpond), to the comedic nursery floor, to an elegant and intense balletic haka fusion.  The honed discipline of physicality is exemplified in a solo performance where we marvel at the musculature perfection; a masterclass in both grace and strength. There are so many facets to this production that prove charming and compelling. 

The charismatic cast shine in a furious, fabulous mix of ensemble pieces, pas de deux, and solo performances that are simply breathtaking. We are treated to satire when male dancers, en pointe, gingerly, painstakingly make their way across the stage with a variety of groans and grimaces. This is further contrasted by breathtaking aerial dance, requiring significant strength and yet demonstrating fluidity and sensuality as Petitpierre’s costuming is augmented by delicate lighting (Dominique Mabileau). The finesse of the stage management team (Armand Coutant and Anne Lamarque) leverage Kabuki theatre traditions of Karoko (black-clad ninjas) to great comedic effect, elevating dance and dancers both figuratively and literally. 

There are moments in the show where the cohesiveness falters. Small errors are made which perhaps reflects the late change of venue and having to settle themselves in their Sadler’s Wells East location. Minor lapses cause props to be dropped or placement to be slightly off. These moments are fleeting and possibly pass unnoticed by many. 

There is endless variety of dance. Chicos Mambo: TUTU transports us via the Strictly Ballroom to Hip-Hop, Dirty Dancing, gymnastic floorwork and beyond. The time passes so swiftly that it is with both sighs and applause that we celebrate this audaciously silly and seasoned production. 

Choreography and Artistic Director: Philippe Lafeuille
Assistant Choreographer: Flavie Hennion
General Stage Manager and Light Technician: Armand Coutant
Light Creation: Dominique Mabileau
Sound Creation: Antisten
Costume Design: Corinne Petitpierre
Stage Manager: Anne Lamarque
Dresser: Cécile Flamand
Company Manager: Xavier Morelle
Production Company: 24images Production

Chicos Mambo: TUTU runs at Sadler’s Wells East until Sunday 15 February.