Theatre | cheriecity.co.uk

The Amazing Rouge at Underbelly in London

September 5, 2019 by cheriecity

This year’s circus programme at London’s Underbelly Festival has been truly spectacular and they’ve definitely saved the most raunchy, outrageous show for last.

Rouge, by Australia’s Highwire Entertainment, is one of the most ‘adult’ circus-cabaret shows that I’ve seen and it’s impossible not to be seduced by this charismatic group. The genre-defying show explores sex and relationships, from flirty silliness to the intricacies of sexual politics, and prides itself on a narrative of diversity and inclusion.

Choreographer and performer Paul Westbrook sets the tone for the evening by encouraging the audience to let loose and be inspired by the debauchery that is about to unfold, including the promise of nakedness.

The show begins with a bang as the group appears altogether with the acrobats immediately leaping and balancing, leading on to Paul’s ironic burlesque feather dance to Shirley Bassey’s Hey Big Spender. He’s a lovable chameleon who weaves the scenes together with skill, prowling and cantering around the stage, and his own routines are flawless.

The mesmerising Issie Hart is a goddess-like vision in red, performing an impressive operatic aria. The sophistication continues with Jessie Mckibbin twirling on the trapeze in a red dress that’s soon cast off for something racier. Her cyr wheel routine with Lyndon Johnson is also elegant and lovely, as they glide around the stage together coquettishly like young lovers.

Issie’s vocals switch seamlessly from operatic cabaret to soulful jazz when she performs Norah Jones’ Turn Me On to accompany a lonely ‘lamp’ waiting for that special someone. Also poignant is Lyndon and Paul’s strap routine, showing aggression, playfulness and a lot of chemistry. From here onwards, Rouge becomes more intense, sexy and high-octane.

I won’t spoil the surprise for you too much, but as the show reaches peak naughtiness, both the male and female ‘lamps’ get naked while Jessie Mckibbin dominates and whips her unruly, leather-clad unicorn boys and finds a cheeky use for a carrot.

It’s hard to pick a favourite scene, but I loved Jessie’s fire routine, spinning blazing hot batons and rolling the flames down her body. An impressive end to the show is Madison Burleigh’s nimble acrobatics as she balances upside down and leaps between the strong and focussed Liam deJong and Lydon Johnson.

Rouge is the show that has it all – mind-blowing acrobatics, incredible live singing, an engaging cast, cheeky humour and a positive message. It’s just so likeable and you really feel part of their hedonistic party.

Rouge runs at Underbelly Festival until 7th July. For more information and booking, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com

All images by Ian Georgeson

London, Theatre

Transit by Flip Fabrique at Underbelly

July 2, 2019 by cheriecity

Underbelly Festival has really spoiled us so far with some world-class productions, from the cool, contemporary circus show A Simple Space by Adelaide’s Gravity & Other Myths to the red-hot, debauched Little Death Club.

Of course, there’s plenty more to come this summer and just this weekend I caught the latest show, Transit by Flip Fabrique. Founded in 2011, this award-winning Quebecois circus company presented its show Catch Me (Attrape Moi) to much acclaim in London two years ago and their new work has been just as well-received.

Transit explores the globe-trotting life of a circus troupe – the highs and the lows, the comradery and the squabbles. The show opens in an airport where the group’s spirits are momentarily dampened by a long flight delay. Within moments, however, they are juggling diabolos and balancing on flight cases with effervescent Jade Dussault hula hooping on the top.

They also pass the time by skipping with multiple neon ropes, celebrating a birthday with party hats and performing a hilarious ballet routine catching sweets in their mouths.

Amid the comedy and acrobatics, there are some poignant moments, such as when Jade has to make a difficult announcement to the group and Pierre Riviere has an argument with his girlfriend on the phone over being constantly on tour.

As the delay gets longer, they reflect on whether they would leave the circus life behind and what they would do if it was their last night performing together. It’s an interesting moment, as very few circus shows have a scene with so much dialogue or ever give the audience a glimpse of the reality of this creative, physically demanding life.

Having discussed their wildest dreams for one last night, they set upon making them a reality. Jasmin Blouin breaks his record of performing 14 circus disciplines in under one and a half minutes, while Jonathan Julien lifts up the entire troupe metal-style and Cedrik Pinault gets to feel like a rock star when the audience cheers and throws ‘their’ knickers at him.

The show ends with an impressive tramp wall routine (bouncing on the trampoline and walking up vertically) and lots of colourful soft balls flying around. The group remains a happy family, even if it’s bittersweet as they may eventually follow different paths.

Transit is a thrilling, funny and touching show with a cool original soundtrack and plenty of wow moments. Flip Fabrique really stand out as a company and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Transit runs at Underbelly Festival until 7th July. For more information and booking, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com

London, Theatre

A Great Night at Little Death Club at Underbelly

May 6, 2019 by cheriecity

Watch out London theatregoers, the Southbank just got that little bit sexier with the arrival of Little Death Club at Underbelly. A smash hit at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Adelaide Fringe, this daring show is here to shock and delight all summer long.

Inspired by the Weimar Republic’s den of iniquity, Little Death Club brings debauchery, amazement and lots of laughs in an intimate club setting. At the helm is formidable kabarett star Bernie Dieter, a striking vision in jet black feathers and spiked heels. Bernie is the real deal – a provocative libertine born in Köln to a family of circus performers, with razor-sharp wit and an air of seduction.

The scene was set from the moment we arrived at the Underbelly spiegeltent, with a glamorous family of misfits prowling around the room and lounging on the stage, set to sleazy rock from the fantastic live band.

Bernie broke the ice with some hilarious audience participation, loosening everyone up as the 60-minutes of decadence got underway. With sultry, theatrical tones, she regaled us with cheeky numbers including a rousing drinking song about her motorcycle-riding grandmother and another about lacklustre sex.

We were swiftly introduced to Myra DuBois, the self-proclaimed ‘songbird of south Yorkshire’, who served up unmistakably Northern humour, roasting a front-row guest for wearing flip flops to the theatre and having a pop at bloggers (it was the press night after all). We were then treated to Myra’s party piece – a pouting solo rendition of I Know Him So Well, famously performed by “Elaine Paige and the other one”.

More than just bawdy comedy, Little Death Club also has some serious acrobatic credentials. Fancy Chance mesmerised with angelic aerial ballet and somehow glided through the air hanging by her hair. Beau Sargent graced the hoop with contortions that had the audience wincing as well as an elegant, poignant piece about gender with stunning vocals from Bernie.

Josh Glanc played a disillusioned French mime longing for real-life sensations, while Kitty Bang Bang’s finale was red hot with some incredible naked fire breathing. It was so intense that you could feel the glow of the flames radiating from the stage.

Little Death Club is a fabulous, gin-soaked feast for the senses and above all, a whole lot of fun. Bernie’s farewell address pointedly reminded us to celebrate difference in a world that wants us to all be the same. I left wishing I could stay in her dazzling club just a little bit longer.

Bernie Dieter’s Little Death Club runs at Underbelly Festival until 29th September. For more information and booking, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com

Chérie City was a guest of Underbelly Festival

All images by Alistair Veryard Photography

London, Theatre

Gravity & Other Myths: A Simple Space

April 22, 2019 by cheriecity

It’s that time again when Underbelly Festival takes over the Southbank with a dazzling programme of live circus, cabaret, comedy and music. Underbelly always presents best circus talent from around the world, but this season’s debut show was truly spectacular and memorable.

A Simple Space by leading Australian company Gravity & Other Myths (GOM) has won a number of awards and has been performed more than 600 times across 30 countries. Formed in Adelaide in 2009, GOM is renowned for its honest, unpretentious shows that favour acrobatic excellence over high concept.

For this special Underbelly run, the stage set was minimal with just four spotlights that were switched on and off throughout and the performers were dressed casually in natural colours. The show began with the group continually shouting ‘falling’, then tumbling and leaping off each other energetically – a truly captivating introduction.

GOM’s work has a real playfulness and there were plenty of japes and dares, like seeing who could hold their breath the longest, making animal balloons behind their backs and a ‘strip skipping’ competition where Benton Adam-Walker ended up losing all of his clothes (yes, it did get a little racy).

The chemistry between the seven performers was palpable as they climbed and stood on each other’s bodies, formed vertiginous pyramids, held impossible contortion poses and walked on each other’s heads.

Annalise Moore’s acrobatics had everyone’s jaws on the floor in amazement as she somersaulted through the air, balanced upside down and was literally thrown across the stage and caught by the guys in unison with talented flyer Ashleigh Pearce.

In between the high-octane routines were fun moments like when André Augustus solved a Rubik’s cube while standing on his head and the stage became a colourful ball pit with the audience pelting the performers as they posed.

But what really took the show to the next level was the atmospheric electronic soundtrack performed with live drums and programming by Alex Flood. He also had his own solo moment beat boxing and tapping his chest rhythmically until it went red and raw.

The finale was epic with some incredible, high-speed acrobatics and I just didn’t want it to ever end. I really connected with GOM and loved the joyful, confident and stripped back vibe of A Simple Space. It’s definitely one that you won’t want to miss!

Underbelly has a wonderful carnival atmosphere and is bigger and better than ever with its fabulous pop-up spiegeltent, plus drinks and tempting street food from the likes of Nanny Bill’s and Hola Guacamole. The shows are short and sweet at just 60-minutes and most are under £20, making it an affordable night out by the Thames. I can’t wait to see more throughout the summer.

A Simple Space runs at Underbelly Festival until 5th May. For more information and booking, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com

Chérie City was a guest of Underbelly Festival

Photo (c) The Other Richard

Berlin, Theatre

Memories of Fools at Chamaeleon Theatre Berlin

April 12, 2019 by cheriecity

For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of regularly visiting Berlin to catch the latest contemporary circus show at the beautiful Chamaeleon Theatre. This landmark theatre in Mitte’s iconic Hackesche Höfe attracts the world’s leading circus productions while also supporting new local talent, making it a truly influential part of Berlin’s creative scene.

2019 is particularly special for the Chamaeleon as it celebrates 15 years of new circus. It’s also set to welcome its 1,000,000th visitor in its birthday year, which is rather exciting for that special person.

This twice-yearly jaunt has given me the chance to see how truly diverse their programme is and they’ve certainly kept up the high standards with new show Memories of Fools by award-winning Czech company Cirk La Putyka.

Directed by Rostislav Novák Jr, this enchanting show tells the story of a little boy (Vojtech Fülep) dreaming of becoming an astronaut. It opens with archive footage of Neil Armstrong taking his first steps on the moon and three of the nine performers appearing as astronauts and moving as if weightless – a theme that recurs in various forms throughout. It’s also fitting that this year is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, a historic moment that most of us have etched in our collective memory.

He shares his space ambitions with his pal (Filip Zahradnický) and their friendship is so endearing and innocent, as they mess around with home-made astronaut costumes and juggle with models of the planets. Their playtime soon gets interrupted by bad boys in black hoodies that leap and somersault on the teeterboard, eventually getting them in trouble with their parents.

The young boy might not be the most likely NASA candidate, but he triumphs over his peers and is chosen for the all-important rocket mission. During this time he falls in love with a beautiful blonde astronaut, and his parents benefit from the fame, attempting to become a showbiz duo with some slapstick moments.

The story is moved along with interludes featuring models of the solar system and the space rocket. Cirk La Putyka has a long family legacy of puppetry and the Novák brothers have kept the tradition alive.

The second part of the show becomes much more surreal and zany, as all of the characters take on a different personality. We are introduced to Bugs Bunny with an alienesque voice, a hip-swivelling Elvis, a suave Spanish matador, a candy-dipped Amadeus and the original naked couple Adam and Eve with extra shimmer.

Something I’ve discovered from watching many circus shows is that they all love a good party scene, so true to form, the disco soundtrack is cranked up with Elvis DJ-ing while Amadeus juggles vinyl records and the matador struts his stuff.

Unlike some of the more high-octane circus shows I’ve seen, Memories of Fools purposefully focuses on narrative, however there are still plenty of jaw-dropping tricks and ‘wow’ moments. The complex trapeze number performed by Adam and Eve (Solenne Baily and long-time partner Romuald Solesse) is simply dazzling and Šárka Fülep Bocková perfectly portrays the lack of gravity in space, spinning with such grace and lightness on the hoop. Alexandr Volný’s cyr wheel piece is also mesmerising and impressive.

Memories of Fools is a truly joyful show that will appeal to all generations and leave you feeling uplifted and nostalgic for simpler times. Some of the story is left open to interpretation and requires you to use your imagination and in a space as magical as the Chamaeleon, that isn’t so hard to do.

Memories of Fools runs at Chamaeleon Theatre until 18th August. For more information and booking, visit: www.chamaeleonberlin.com

Thanks to Chamaeleon Theatre, Holiday Inn Berlin – Centre Alexanderplatz and Berlin WelcomeCard for a great trip to Berlin.

All photos by Chérie City

Berlin, Theatre

CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW at Chamaeleon Theatre

October 3, 2018 by cheriecity

Chamaeleon Theatre in Berlin is one of the best venues in the world to watch new circus and its programme is always inspiring and varied. Not only does it attract the very best international circus companies, but its exquisite cabaret-style set up really elevates the atmosphere and sense of anticipation.

I was thrilled to be invited back again to check out its latest show, CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW. I was really looking forward to this show, as many performers and reviewers have spoken so highly of Brisbane-based CIRCA – and they have been named the ‘rock stars of the circus world’, after all.

You might recognise Circa’s PEEPSHOW from its summer residency at London’s Underbelly, however this was an abridged, one-hour festival show in a Spiegeltent. CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW was specially created with the Chamaeleon in mind and it’s clear that this conceptual two-part show needs the time to breath and play out to its full extent.

The Show

While many of the shows I seen at the Chamaeleon have been arty, emotional or raucous, none have been as unashamedly sexy as CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW. But you guessed that already from the name, right? What you might not expect, however, is the psychological meandering of this provocative show, set in two distinctly different parts.

Created by Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz and Associate Director Libby McDonnell, the show explores the concept of being watched and how human behaviour changes when we are being observed or when we think we are alone. It begins with the performers mirroring each other’s movements and balancing on each other like structures, as well as a fun surprise (which I won’t spoil by revealing).

Part One

This first part is all about voyeurism and the seven artists are playful and keen to show off to the audience. Their bodies are purposely exposed in simple nude lycra underwear and glitzy sequin hotpants. The constant glow of the neon ‘peepshow’ sign and retro fringe curtain also add to the sense of exhibitionism and self-aware performance.

Nathan Knowles’ solo vignette celebrates the splendour of the body seen from pretty much all angles and Giulia Scamaria’s enigmatic rope performance is mesmerising. We were all rather taken with Jessica Connell, who brings a touch of burlesque with a coquettish, ironic ‘striptease’ and a truly impressive hula hoop dance.

Part Two

In the second part, the mood instantly becomes dark and intense as the stage is flooded in red neon light. The audience reciprocation is severed, so we can simply observe the performers as their behaviour becomes more wild, erratic and twitchy.

The scene switches from their private inner torment to letting it all go in a club setting with pulsating music. Many of the shows I’ve seen at Chamaeleon are enhanced by live music, but CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW focuses purely on the high-energy acrobatics and dance. Saying that, the music is perfectly-curated and includes a poignant version of Sweet Dreams for the finale.

CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW is such a high calibre show and very different in style and tone to other new circus performances. It’s seductive, raw and thought-provoking – a real must-see!

Here are a few more spots to check out while in Berlin…

SEE

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum is a stunning contemporary art museum that was originally the terminus of the railway line between Hamburg and Berlin, established in 1846. Its late Neoclassical style was designed by the architect and railway pioneer Friedrich Neuhaus and today, it’s preserved as the city’s only train station remaining from that era.

It closed as a railway station in 1884 and was subsequently used as an exhibition hall before incurring major damages in WWII and laying dormant during the division of Germany. After significant renovation, it reopened in 1996 as a museum of contemporary art for works of the collection of the Nationalgalerie and the Marx Collection.

We saw a few exhibitions there, but the most enjoyable was The Collections with works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Joseph Beuys and Carolee Scheemann.

Urban Spree

If you’re looking for a slower pace on the weekend, head to the outdoor wonderland that is Urban Spree. It’s a 1700 sqm artistic space in Berlin-Friedrichshain dedicated to urban culture with exhibitions, artist residencies, skate park, climbing wall, market and outdoor Biergarten with plenty of rum cocktails, vegan street food and if you’re lucky, sunshine.

Stroll around and take in the creative graffiti, alternative music and chilled-out atmosphere. It’s also conveniently close to the East Side Gallery, so you can really make a day of it.

EAT

Shiso Burger

The Chamaeleon Theatre is conveniently close to Berlin’s cool restaurants and bars around Auguststraße and Shiso Burger has been on my list for a while. It’s a popular, casual burger joint with an Asian twist and we were fortunate to score a walk-in table before the show. We started with some steamed edamame and indulged in delicious burgers – Wagyu beef, marinated tuna and veggie – packed inside fluffy bao-style buns and accompanied by hot, crispy sweet potato fries.

Brammibal’s Donuts

On my free day in Berlin, I explored the pretty, leafy Kreuzberg neighbourhood and just had to stop by Brammibal’s Donuts. This hip all-vegan donut and coffee shop offers dairy-free donuts in creative flavours such as rosehip jam, pumpkin spice & cream cheese, nougat and Boston Cream. I tried the Maple smoked coconut donut, which was suprisingly light and fluffy with excellent salty-sweet glaze. Definitely the best vegan donut I’ve ever had.

The Visit Coffee Roastery

The Visit Coffee Roastery, espresso bar and kitchen is a great new addition to Berlin’s speciality coffee shop scene. Tucked away in a peaceful Kreuzberg mews, The Visit is a sleek, minimalist space where the vibe is chilled and the drinks are taken seriously. They do a great Iced matcha latte and you can get a healthy brunch there on weekends.

STAY

Holiday Inn Berlin – Centre Alexanderplatz

This towering hotel at Alexanderplatz was our base for two nights and I found it comfortable, modern and well-located in a convenient part of town. The bed and shower in my room were of a high standard and the generous buffet breakfast had everything you could want, including freshly-made pancakes with a choice of natural syrups.

Circa’s PEEPSHOW runs at Chamaeleon Theatre until 17th February. For more information and booking, visit: www.chamaeleonberlin.com

Thanks to Chamaeleon Theatre, Holiday Inn Berlin – Centre Alexanderplatz and Berlin WelcomeCard for a great trip to Berlin.

All photos by Chérie City

For more Berlin travel inspiration, read my review of:

London, Theatre

Ethiopian Dreams by Circus Abyssinia

April 16, 2018 by cheriecity

The start of the summer always feels close when the Underbelly spiegeltent arrives on the South Bank. In fact, this year is rather special, as Underbelly celebrates its 10th anniversary with its biggest programme yet, including an impressive four international circus shows.

Underbelly is a six-month long festival celebrating the best in new circus, comedy, cabaret and family entertainment. The showground has the feel of a secret garden on the South Bank with whimsical flowers and lanterns plus gourmet street food stalls and bars, so you can really make a night of it.

Kicking off the season is headlining show Ethiopian Dreams by the acclaimed Circus Abyssinia. Written by Cal McCrystal, this joyful, vibrant show tells the autobiographical and fictional story of two young Ethiopian brothers, Bibi and Bichu, who have a shared dream of joining the circus.

The opening scene transports you to Ethiopia with an uplifting mix of traditional African dance, rhythmic music and typical ankara print clothes. The characters of Bibi and Bichu are first taken on by talented youngsters Ezera Nigusse and Alemayehu Mulugeta, who show off their acrobatic skills, hand-vaulting from the outstretched arms of their elders.

As they journey through circus life, they encounter two girls who perform a mesmerising snake dance, mirroring the naturally slinky contortions and nonchalant characteristics of the flexible animal.

Another highlight of the show is a colourful cloth-spinning number, where the girls balance on each other’s hip bones. It’s also impossible not to be charmed by the hapless tight-rope-walking clown and enjoy the comical audience participation.

The young boys grow to be world-class jugglers, as the real-life brothers Bibi and Bichu Tesfamariam take centre stage, performing a slick juggling act with a swinging jazz soundtrack. The show ends with one big party, as eight of the guys climb the vertiginous double Chinese pole and tumble down with their own unique style to thumping Ethiopian club music.

Ethopian Dreams is a sunny, gleeful show with more than a few jaw-dropping moments and unbelievable stunts. While some circus productions can be quite conceptual and arty, Circus Abyssinia’s show is family-friendly and accessible – simply joyful from start to finish.

Ethiopian Dreams by Circus Abyssinia runs until 20th May at Underbelly Festival, Southbank Centre, London. For more information and tickets, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com

Chérie City was a guest of Underbelly Festival

Photos courtesy of Underbelly – by Andrey Petrov, Matilda Temperley and Andy Phillipson

Berlin, Theatre

FINALE at Chamaeleon Theatre, Berlin

April 6, 2018 by cheriecity

Chamaeleon Theatre in Berlin is one of my favourite travel discoveries and I recently had the fortune of visiting a third time for a performance of new show FINALE by Analog Group.

Each show that I’ve seen at this timeless, jewel-box theatre in Mitte’s historic Hackescher Höfe has been vastly different in style and narrative. Underart by Sweden’s Cirkus Cirkör was highly-conceptual and emotive while Company 2’s Scotch & Soda was a raucous, Aussie boozefest, so I was intrigued to see how this young Berlin-based troupe would approach circus.

The Show

FINALE begins off-stage with a humorous see-saw scene with Creative Director Florian Zumkehr and acrobat Richie Maguire competing for attention – a theme that runs through the show. The narrative is quite loose, as it’s mostly just about having fun, but I noticed a few references to teenage nostalgia, from a library scene to a sweet love duet.

The Cast

Gradually we’re introduced to each member of the cast and their unique acrobatic talents are revealed. We all fell in love with the talented singer-songwriter Ena Wild – a star of the Berlin club scene – mostly for her smoky, heavenly vocals but also her spectacular outfits, meticulously changed with every scene. In fact, she composed the entire score with writing partner and live drummer Lukas Thielecke.

Perhaps the most unforgettable scene was New Yorker Richie Maguire sharing his obsession with Jean-Claude Van Damme and performing some extreme Van Damming while eating a banana in a gold sequin thong. That image doesn’t tend to leave your mind!

I was also mesmerised by Manda Rydman’s aerial hoop solo and nail-biting rope performance that saw strands flying as she tumbled down from a height. Another highlight was Carlos Zaspiel’s slick spinning pole piece using a large prop that he actually developed during his acrobatic training.

By the end of the show, you’re transported to a proper Berlin rave, in a flurry of colour, neon lights, cool electronic music and the cast jumping through a hoop. With the incredibly catchy music and charismatic performers it really feels like a party, making the thrills of the circus even more joyful. It’s definitely a show that’s not to be missed!

The rest of the weekend was ours to explore the city and recover after a late-night lock-in with some of the cast. Here are a few more places for your Berlin ‘to do list’…

SEE

East Side Gallery

It’s hard to comprehend, in this age, that the Berlin Wall divided east and west Germany for over 28 years and that part of it can still be seen today. The open-air East Side Gallery features 105 murals painted directly on a 1316m long remnant of the wall in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg in 1990.

The murals are united by their messages of peace, hope and anti-fascism and include the famous Fraternal Kiss capturing the historic embrace between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East Germany’s Erich Hoenicker.

Alte Nationalgalerie

Museum Island, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a real treat for Berlin visitors with six renowned state museums set across a picturesque island in the Spree. You can buy a ticket for 18 Euros that allows access to all museums in one day, but as time was short, I focussed on just one – the Altes Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery). This impressive museum, founded in 1861, houses a collection of Neoclassical, Impressionist and early-Modernist works by mostly German but also European artists.

It’s a well-curated collection, with a few quirky talking point pieces, and it’s a pleasure to delve into the works of artists such as Karl Blechen, Adolf von Menzel, Max Liebermann and Caspar David Friedrich.

EAT

Spreegold

This all-day casual restaurant near Alexanderplatz became a bit of a blogger hangout on our trip. On the first night in Berlin, we indulged in enormous burgers and ‘stacks’ of avocado, bacon and poached eggs on sourdough, and then returned for iced lemon black tea and banana bread before our journey home.

The Store Kitchen at Soho House Berlin

For a chilled-out lunch in Mitte, head to The Store Kitchen on the ground floor of Soho House Berlin (no membership needed). The kitchen is set across an open-plan concept store filled with stylish homewares, books and magazines, fragrances and covetable designer brands such as Off-White, Vetements and Balenciaga. There’s also a live DJ to complete the ambiance.

I enjoyed a healthy lunch of Avocado toast and poached eggs with lime and a fresh red chilli kick, plus a potent matcha latte for a caffeine fix – highly recommended!

Princess Cheesecake

This bijou tea salon and patisserie is one of my favourite spots in Berlin. It serves an impressive range of cheesecake, from traditional German poppy seed to proper New York cheesecake, and they are always to die for.

STAY

Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz was my base for two nights, where I had some great views of the iconic Fernsehturm (television tower) from my room on the 26th floor of this huge tower hotel. Alexanderplatz is central, convenient place to stay, particularly for first-time visitor to the city, and the hotel is just 13 minutes walk from Chamaeleon Theater.

The lobby was constantly busy (the hotel has a whopping 1012 rooms and suites, after all) but the rooms were calmer – contemporary and simple with a comfortable bed and powerful shower. I was particularly impressed with the quality and service at the buffet breakfast in Spagos Restaurant and enjoyed fresh scrambled eggs with herbs, a variety of excellent German bread rolls and even cheesecake.

Are you a fan of contemporary circus? Have you been to Chamaeleon Theatre?

FINALE runs at Chamaeleon Theatre until 19th August. For more information and booking, visit: www.chamaeleonberlin.com

Thanks to Chamaeleon Theatre and Park Inn Berlin Alexanderplatz for a great trip to Berlin.

All photos by Chérie City

Berlin, Theatre

Scotch & Soda, Chamaeleon Theater Berlin

May 30, 2017 by cheriecity

Berlin is one of my favourite destinations for a weekend city break and I was thrilled to be invited back to the wonderful Chamaeleon Theater to discover the latest show, Scotch & Soda.

I was blown away by the theatre’s previous show UNDERART by Swedish company Cirkus Cirkör and really fell in love with contemporary circus, so I knew I was in for a treat.

Chamaeleon Theater is a rare gem, tucked away in Berlin’s historic Hackesche Höfe – a large complex with eight curious interconnecting courtyards. Berlin may be famed for its cabaret shows, however Chamaeleon Theater is all about contemporary circus, presenting the very best shows by leading companies around the world.

Currently in residence is Australia’s super-talented Company 2 with their magnificent show, Scotch & Soda. It’s also part of Australia Now Germany 2017 – a year-long programme to showcase Australian culture in Germany.

Scotch & Soda is a raucous, booze-soaked soirée that makes you feel like you’re at the best party of your life. As the name suggests, the show is an intoxicating blend of circus and jazz created by two groups of artists and friends – Company 2 led by David Carberry and Chelsea McGuffin and The Uncanny Carnival Band.

Set inside a bohemian spiegeltent, the show opens with plenty of energy and chutzpah as the group get merry, balancing on Champagne bottles and having drunken fights. James Kingsford Smith steals the moment as an incoherent, rowdy Scotsman and yes, you do see what’s under his kilt!

However, it’s not all just larking around as the mesmerising acrobatics make your jaw quickly hit the floor, where it’s likely to stay for the rest of the evening. Skip Walker-Milne balances atop a number of precariously-stacked suitcases while sisters Alice and Kate Muntz perform a captivating balancing routine and gang up on David Carberry, sending him hurtling down a flight of steps.

Other highlights include the ‘morning after the night before’ aerial straps act performed by a hungover James Kingsford Smith, Matthew Ottignon being given a comical bathtub wash and the spectacular finale that surely breaks records for how many people can ride just one bicycle.

Live jazz is also at the heart of Scotch & Soda and composer Lucian McGuiness’ original score is just so uplifting, infectious and at times poignant. The musicians also have their own sketches in the show, from Lucian’s eyebrow-raising ukele-playing to Eden Ottignon ‘marrying’ his double bass.

Scotch & Soda is so joyful and awe-inspiring that I really didn’t want it to end and was literally on the edge of my front-row seat the whole time.

Following the show, we had a chance to meet some of the performers before they headed out to play an impromptu gig at a nearby bar. They’re such a friendly, tight-knit group and Chamaeleon Theater really invests in their wellbeing and happiness while living in Berlin.

Afterwards, we were treated to a lovely, relaxed dinner at Hackescher Höfe just next door to the theatre. It’s a classic Berlin restaurant in style with a large dining room and the cuisine is a good mix of German favourites and international dishes.

I started with a delicious Caesar salad and followed with the most enormous steak with lashings of tangy Béarnaise sauce and a super-indulgent, buttery potato gratin.

For dessert, it just had to be a traditional warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce – what better way to finish a meal when you’re in Berlin?

The food at Hackescher Höfe was perfectly-cooked and so hearty and generous. It’s a great spot for a post-theatre treat, especially in the warmer months where you can dine on the terrace under the parasols.

Our base for the trip was the stylish and contemporary Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse. It was the first time I’d experienced the NH Hotels brand and there were so many things that I liked about this stylish and comfortable hotel.

Firstly, it’s in a great position for visiting Chamaeleon Theater, as it’s just 7 minutes away by tram (the stop is literally on the hotel’s doorstep), or a pleasant 15-minute walk over the river and through Monbijoupark. Then there’s the sleek, minimalist design and the feeling of zen throughout the hotel.

We each had a fabulous Terrace Room on the eight floor, which has its own dedicated penthouse elevator. My room was bright and spacious with thoughtful touches such as a Nespresso machine and plush bathrobes and a real highlight was the large terrace with views over the city. I was also kindly welcomed with handmade chocolates and strawberries and a bottle of San Pellegrino.

The hotel is located in a busy shopping area so there are useful things nearby and I was really pleased to find dean&david in the same building. It’s a cool healthy fast food place that Berliners love for its aromatic Thai curries, cold-pressed juices and gourmet salads with meat or seafood grilled to order. I ordered my favourite salad combo and enjoyed a peaceful lunch on my terrace in the sunshine.

Another perk of staying at this hotel is the excellent breakfast, which is served in an enormous, futuristic atrium – it’s just so impressive! Among the usual breakfast items was a chef station for fresh egg dishes, an overwhelming choice of breads, macarons and an exciting selection of loose leaf teas to start the morning nicely.

The hotel also features a sauna and steam room, complimentary sweets and juices in the lobby and if you stay on the weekend, a special Lazy Sunday offering with breakfast served until noon and a late check-out of 5pm.

Before heading back to London, we had some time to explore Berlin. I took a stroll around the Hackescher Markt, along the River Spree and over to Alexanderplatz, enjoying the bright and sunny day.

There’s always something new to see in the hip Mitte neighbourhood and one of my favourite new discoveries was Zeit für Brot, an artisan bakery with cinnamon buns in lots of flavours. I also loved shopping at CRUBA, Paper & Tea and Record Store Berlin.

I had such a wonderful weekend in Berlin and cannot stress enough just how memorable Scotch & Soda at Chamaeleon Theater really is. Berlin is beautiful at this time of year and there’s still plenty of time to see the show – book a flight immediately!

Scotch & Soda runs until 20th August at Chamaeleon Theater. For more information and booking, visit: www.chamaeleonberlin.com

Thanks to Chamaeleon Theater, NH Hotels, Hackescher Höfe and Berlin Card for a wonderful Berlin trip.

Photos by Chérie City (Scotch & Soda images by Andy Phillipson)

Berlin, Theatre

How to Spend 24 Hours in Berlin, Germany

October 31, 2016 by cheriecity

Last weekend, I hopped over to Berlin for a magical night out at the cabaret. However, it wasn’t the kind of decadent, kitsch show you might expect to find in Berlin – Chamaeleon Theater is all about ‘new circus’.

The whirlwind trip started with an early morning Eurowings flight, where I met the other lovely UK bloggers. After an easy journey from Tegel Airport into the city using the Berlin Welcome Card, we checked in to the Scandic Hotel Potsdamer Platz.

Lunch at Oliv Eat

Our first stop was lunch at Oliv Eat, a stylish, healthy eatery just 15 minutes walk from the hotel on Potsdamer Strasse. It’s in a quiet yet creative neighbourhood next to Acne Studio and the famous variety theatre Wintergarten, as well as a cluster of art galleries.

The menu is a mix of all-day breakfast dishes as well as larger plates and home-made cakes. I had Avocado on sourdough toast, which included chunky avocado with a lemon dressing and the most delicious bakery-fresh bread and a perfect poached egg. The others also enjoyed their colourful quinoa bowls and warming home-made soup.

After a quick look around Potsdamer Platz, we drove over to Rosenthaler Strasse in Berlin’s hip Mitte district for our night at the theatre. Chamaeleon Theater is tucked away in the Hackesche Höfe, a large complex with eight curious interconnecting courtyards.

The Chamaeleon Theater

The former ballroom was built in 1906 and its original Art Nouveau facade with decorative tiles has luckily survived until this day. Inside, the theatre is set up in a cabaret style with table seating and you can enjoy a full meal or antipasti board ahead of the show.

We met with the brilliant team behind the theatre and German bloggers over Champagne and nibbles on the newly-renovated balcony before heading down to our seats ready for the show.

The programme at Chamaeleon Theater changes twice a year and the current show is UNDERART: Ode to a Crash Landing, performed by Swedish new circus company, Cirkus Cirkör.

The Show

The concept of this awe-inspiring show is about overcoming the trauma of a crash and working back to a good place. Director Olle Standberg broke his neck doing a triple somersault in 2005 and was paralysed from the neck down. The show is based on his experience and begins with a harrowing expressive dance interpretation of his life-changing condition.

However, the show is much more uplifting than it may sound, even though I almost cried during one of the more emotional moments. It’s a stunning mix of dance and gravity-defying acrobatics set to mesmerising live electronic and acoustic music (think Goldfrapp and Fever Ray with a dash of lo-fi indie).

I won’t spoil the surprise too much, but there are some real ‘wow’ moment, as the agile performers leap off each other’s shoulders, balance on wooden stilts, hang suspended from the lighting rig and end up submerged in water upside down.

The Cast

After the show, we had the chance to meet some of the performers at the bar and they really are such magnetic, interesting people. They all arrived at the new circus company from different disciplines. Anna Ahnlund is a musician who found participating in the acrobatics a fun challenge while Methinee Wongtrakoon started as a contortionist and combines these impressive skills with dance. The company is one to watch and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

We then met with a tour guide who took us on a night walking tour of Berlin, passing sights such as Museum Island, the Berliner Dom, Hackescher Markt, Berlin Public Library, the River Spree and even Angela Merkel’s apartment building. It was a great way to see some of the city’s highlights in less than an hour and prepare our appetite for our evening meal.

Dinner at the top of the Reichstag

Dinner was a suitably spectacular affair at Käfer Dachgarten-Restaurant Berlin at the top of the Reichstag. Even at 9pm, there were queues for a tour of the historic German parliament building, but you’re able to skip the lines by dining at the high end restaurant (breakfast is a popular option).

The rooftop boasts some amazing views over the city and the glass dome looks magical lit up at night. Just like Norman Foster’s iconic glass dome, the restaurant has a sleek contemporary style and the menu is modern German to match.

We started with a warming, velvety Asian-style Hokkaido pumpkin soup with styrian oil and roasted sunflower seeds. I couldn’t help mopping it up with many slices of excellent German rye bread with salted butter, as I was feeling really peckish after the walking tour.

Next up was a super-indulgent Saddle of beef with Caesar crust, creamy savoy cabbage, carrot terrine, potato and hazelnut purée and Dijon mustard sauce. The beef was tender and juicy and the creamy, garlicky accompaniments and rich red wine mustard sauce complemented it well. Surprisingly, the portion size was enormous and I struggled to finish it. Be sure to bring your appetite and a stretchy waistband!

Dessert was more dainty yet still elaborate – Valrhona chocolate mousse with pear sorbet and rosehip pears. The chocolate mousse was exemplary and I loved the tiny, chewy chocolate macaron, dark chocolate curl and the refreshing, sweet pear sorbet. We finished the meal with coffee and tea served in cute ladybird china and left feeling full and happy.

The Hotel

After dinner, we arrived back at the Scandic Hotel Potsdamer Platz, ready for some much-needed sleep. This enormous, shiny hotel on Potsdamer Platz has a contemporary Scandinavian style and is the most eco-friendly hotel in Berlin. It also brings a touch of nature to the city with fun features such as birdsong in the lifts, tree trunk patterned carpets and majestic elk Lasse guarding the hotel.

The Room

My Superior Room was spacious yet cosy with a comfortable bed, large LCD TV, floor-to-ceiling windows, a rustic shearling-style chair, tea and coffee making facilities and best of all, a complimentary minibar stocked with premium soft drinks, water, wine and beer.

The bathroom was also modern and pristine with a bath and shower, a decorative nature window and wall-mounted bathroom products by Face Stockholm.

Breakfast

A perk of staying at Scandic Hotel Potsdamer Platz is the amazing buffet breakfast. The third-floor dining room is huge with a number of stations filled with over 150 breakfast items. There’s a hot selection of dishes, cured meats and cheeses, cereal, yoghurt, mini pastries, different breads and plaited brioche and the most delicious iced lemon cake. Guests with allergies or intolerances are also well cared for with a whole area dedicated to gluten- and dairy-free items.

My 24 hours in Berlin were so magical and it reminded me just how much can be packed in to a small amount of time. It’s the perfect itinerary for a memorable night out in Berlin

Many thanks to Chamaeleon Theater, Käfer Restaurant and Scandic Hotel Potsdamer Platz for an amazing time in Berlin.

Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Käfer Restaurant and UNDERART images by Chamaeleon Theater).

Guest posts, Theatre

Kim Cattrall in Antony and Cleopatra

October 24, 2010 by cheriecity

Rebecca Enright discovers that there’s more to Kim Cattrall than Sex and the City…

When you hear the name Kim Cattrall you automatically think of Samantha in Sex and the City, the iconic strong-willed, man-eating character we all know and love.

But her homecoming to the Liverpool stage in Antony and Cleopatra at the Playhouse Theatre certainly proved that she is more than just a TV superstar, but a gifted theatre actress who can put her hand to more traditional thespian challenges, including Shakespeare.

As a huge fan, I last saw Kim on the London stage as the lead in Noel Coward’s Private Lives back in the spring of this year, so was interested in how she would conquer the role of the cunning yet passionate Queen of the Nile. But she did!

Directed by a former legendary Cleopatra, Janet Suzman, it was sure to be a great hit and it’s obvious Cattrall delights in playing strong, dominant women, and does so with much gusto.

The play can be difficult to understand at times, but it’s at no fault to anyone except me and the fact I haven’t studied it for so long! But don’t let the fact that it’s Shakespeare put you off.

The plot – an ill-fated love affair where passion collides with political gain – is easy to pick up via the stunning stage decor, atmospheric music and superb acting from the entire cast.

The play does have its modern touch too, most notably Cleopatra donning stylish specs to sign papers and the Romans, in contemporary get-up (Caesar even in a pin-stripe suit), having a jolly whilst drinking Peroni and Carling! Who would ever have thought it?

And for the girlie bit – the dresses. Many a conversation was had about what you would wear and when, or “do you think we could ask Kim if she is keeping those?”

Standing ovations do not seem to be the norm ‘up north’, or so it seems, although I felt proud to make my appreciation known… even if I was one of only six standing!

And there’s always the meet and greet at the stage door, an excitement equivalent to meeting your favourite boy band when you’re 13.

The Playhouse theatre is certainly worth a visit, and can be combined with a general sightseeing tour of Liverpool. It’s a beautiful theatre that’s been around since the early 1900’s and if you’re anything like me, it’s one of the first things I take a good look at – the beauty and grandeur of a theatre interior.

There is no doubt that Kim gets the majority of people through the door, but with a fantastic cast, many of which are from the Royal Shakespeare Company, its one not to be missed. World class theatre isn’t just confined to London.

Antony and Cleopatra runs until Saturday 13th November. You can book tickets via www.everymanplayhouse.com or by calling the box office on (0151) 709 4776.

Photos: Stephen Vaughan