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A Night Out in London: La Cage aux Folles & Gordon's Wine Bar
By Amira Hashish, Evening Standard 01.10.09
All the fun of the Folles: La Cage is a delight
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THE SHOW
La Cage Aux Folles
Where: Playhouse Theatre
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
When: Mon – Sat, 7.30pm / Thurs & Sat matinees, 2.30pm
Tickets: £17.50-£57.50
www.lacagelondon.com
With verve and velour La Cage Aux Folles bursts on stage at the Playhouse Theatre. Starring Douglas Hodge and Denis Lawson this one is not to be missed.
The sell-out Menier Chocolate Factory production has made a successful transition to the West End for a limited season.
The plot revolves around Georges and his drag artiste partner Albin, star of the La Cage aux Folles club. Their relationship is threatened when Georges' son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician, who wants to close down the local colourful nightlife. The build up to the visit from the prospective in-laws provides a drive for the plot with the attempt to hide their extravagant lifestyle failing quite comically.
From the overtly camp take on the feminine to an attempt to mirror traditional masculinity this is a play of extremes and all the more fabulous for it.
There are touching moments in the production, however, with Albin's heartfelt version of I am What I Am being one of the highlights. The unconditional love he displays towards his partner and their son is also endearing.
Lynee Page's choreography is superb and the energetic vocal performances from the cast compliment it beautifully. Get your whips and feather boas at the ready. La Cage is in town and everybody is welcome to join in the fun.
THE BAR
Gordon's Wine Bar
Where: 47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE, 020 7930 1408
When: Weekdays: 8am for breakfast, 10am to 11pm wine, Saturdays 11am to 11pm, Sunday 12.00am to 10.00pm
Nearest tube: Charing Cross/ Embankment
www.gordonswinebar.com
Gordon's is one of London's oldest wine bars and has been established in its present form since 1890. The wooden walls decorated with historical newspaper cuttings and memorabilia make for a relaxing atmosphere. And it is this ambience that gives it wide appeal. It is worth trying to bag a rickety candlelit table. Or if the sun is out you can sit outside in Watergate walk and admire the view. Just around the corner from the Playhouse, it is an ideal pre or post theatre spot.
