Blanc de Blanc Encore | Strut & Fret
All images: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
Is it worth revisiting a show you have previously enjoyed? The answer is absolutely—particularly if you are yet to visit the fabulous West End Electric and are looking for ideas for a forthcoming celebration.
If you have been to a Strut & Fret show before you will know what to expect: incredible circus and burlesque artists, impressive comedians and singers, lots of audience interaction, and a captivatingly decadent 18+ event. If you have never been to a Strut & Fret show before, then be ready to be entertained and wowed by this genuinely top-shelf entertainment; just be aware this is not for the prudish.
One of our group said that ‘this is a show where there is something for everyone’: music, dance, circus, clowning, pillow fights, and “that” performance of Non, Je ne regrette rien. The choreography is impressive, the dancing fast paced, and the show is a photographer’s dream thanks to the creative concept and design (Scott Maidment, concept & Director; Kevin Maher, choreographer; Philip Gladwell, lighting and set design, and James Browne, costume design).
It’s a whirlwind of a show, but a few favourite memories of the evening include the aerial straps and chains, Chinese pole, and the champagne pouring in a very Blanc de Blanc way. I am not sure I have ever seen an aerial straps artist balance while doing full splits and taking their hands off the straps. And it’s a joy to watch the speed at which an experienced Chinese pole artist can work, and really wow the audience.
Blanc de Blanc Encore is a full-length production which premiered at the Sydney Opera House in 2019, and last visited Brisbane in 2022. If you saw it three years ago, don’t worry; you can plan a return visit ‘encore,’ as the 2025-26 production includes new acts (the current Brisbane cast includes Abi Wells, Brett Rosengreen, Dylan Ingwersen, Eric Allen, Lily Bourne, Maria Moncheva, and Ruby McQueen). And the latest version is in the relatively new home of Strut & Fret. The West End Electric is in the heart of Brisbane’s West End. Having seen several previous Strut & Fret Shows in many Spiegeltents, I did wonder how the show would work indoors. I shouldn’t have worried, as The West End Electric is a fabulous performance space, and of course is tailor-made for a show which takes place ‘above, around and up-close’ to its audience.
In an ideal world, I’d love to have seen one more circus act added into the mix: silks, juggling, highwire, contortion, or perhaps the return of Bath Boy? But that may just be the same as wanting just one more glass of champagne at the end of the night. Perhaps better to just book for another evening and watch the show encore.
My top tips are to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts, to select your seat and perhaps visit the bar. If funds allow, Blanc de Blanc Encore has a luxurious ‘parlour and spa package’ for up to 6 guests, and the website also suggests the show is a great option for birthday, hens, festive and group events. If funds are more limited, there is a ‘tightarse Wednesday’ option, so it’s worth checking out the website. The season has been extended out to February 2026, but if you have a date in mind I’d get in quick as I see some dates have already sold out.
Audience information: Blanc de Blanc Encore, West End Electric, 125 Boundary St, West End (season extended to February 2026). 115 minutes (including interval). 18+. Onsite bar/drinks available. Tickets: $64-156 plus $5.16 service charge.
Credits: Scott Maidment (concept & Director), Kevin Maher (choreographer), Philip Gladwell (lighting and set design), Steve Toulmin (musical composition), Richard Pinner (magical consultancy) , James Browne (costume design), Spencer Novich (comedy consultant), and Laura New (additional material).
The reviewer attended the Friday 24th October 6:30pm performance, which celebrated World Champagne Day, sponsored by Moët & Chandon.
All images: Geoff Lawrence, Creative Futures Photography
