Velvet vocals, sequins, and the pure joy of musicals.summary
Rating
Good
I first encountered Le Gateau Chocolat at A Christmas Gaiety last December at the Royal Albert Hall. His performance was a soothing, immersive experience, with powerful bass vocals that enveloped you like a warm bath. Tonight, there was a playful twist — adding bubbles and splashes to that same feeling of comfort.
The stage was festooned with sparkling frocks; some were new, others were familiar highlights from Chocolat’s drag past. A crescendo of diva energy built up, teased by dramatic lighting that kept the audience eagerly awaiting his entrance.
The performance consisted of a lively medley of classic show tunes, with a sing-along encouraged towards the end. The songs, like vibrant Christmas lights, didn’t follow a clear narrative, but were held together by Chocolat’s inimitable charm. He fluctuated between half-spoken monologues and full-throated emotional renditions, including an unexpected, humorous puppetry moment.
The songs were often classics, made special by his unique renditions. There was a cheeky ‘Big Spender’, a playful ‘Let It Go’, and a moving ‘Losing My Mind’, which seamlessly transitioned into a campy lip-sync of Liza Minnelli’s version with the Pet Shop Boys. The surprise came with a segment that had a feline theme, blending ‘Memory’ from Cats with the bold beats of Khia’s ‘My Neck, My Back’, ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and even ‘Circle of Life’ in a playful, dramatic twist. Chocolat’s witty commentary and theatrical delivery tied these diverse pieces together with remarkable flair. It was purrfect!
Chocolat’s performance was equal parts chaos, comedy, and cabaret, wrapped in sequins, but he truly created a sense of awe when performing the seasonal highlight ‘Walking in the Air’, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere using fans to create a breeze around him, and culminating in a breath-defying vocal flourish.
This wasn’t a perfectly polished show, but it was brimming with joy and authenticity; a true celebration of music and personality. From soaring emotional moments to irreverent humour, Chocolat commanded the stage with effortless flair, creating an unmissable evening that had the audience both laughing and singing along.
Created and performed by: Le Gateau Chocolat
Musicals Mayhem plays at the Soho Theatre until Saturday 11 January 2025. Further information and booking are available here.
