Fiona Gordon: Vaudeville is an adult playground of sensory indulgence – definitely a venue that suggests occasion!
Situated at the heart of Cape Town’s city centre party precinct, this three-hundred-seater supper club promises to be the start and end of many a great night out. The proprietors of the venue aim to provide a full evening of top-class entertainment, from wining to dining to dancing, all as part of an over-the-top theatrical experience – a fanciful extravaganza that combines the variety of vaudeville, with burlesque excess. I am sure that many lovers, new and old, will spend much time staring into each others’ eyes across the candle-lit lamps that adorn the tables. And groups of friends will make many a crazy memory celebrating… well, anything really – no excuses required!
The charismatic Irit Noble leads the quartet of sexy ladies that strut their vocal and voluptuous stuff in various numbers through the show, which also features jolly jugglers and pole jumpers, aerial flyers and daring trapeze. One certainly gets a sense of high-class circus, on and off the stage, with high impact performances introduced by a ringmaster, and floor performers and stilt walkers forming part of the eclectic mix of entertainment. The evening’s experience is definitely influenced by the position of one’s table, although each spot seems to have good and easy view access. The acoustics and sound-mix will surely settle with some attention and time. A sultry hula-devil plays with fire, and our attention is often drawn to the ubiquitous (solemn) penguin-man. Easily a highlight is the Romanian Olympic gymnast and ‘strength performer’ who astounded with his muscular control; and the couple who teased with their Tango, and impressed with their Acro-adage. Dressed in Baroque-influenced costumes, with make-up to match, five-member circus-Balkan-oompah-band, Jinx, provides an appropriately fantastic soundtrack.
I have been to a number of functions catered by Dish Food and Social, and they rate in my book as easily amongst the best caterers in Cape Town, providing all manner of intricate and imaginative delicacies. So I suppose I was surprised by what I felt to be fairly conventional menu options. But given that my partner went for the most conventional item on the menu (free range Namibian Sirloin served with chunky potato wedges, roasted vegetables and a rich red wine jus), and consensus at our table was that although the other options were decidedly tasty, that had been by far the best choice after all; I am sure that it is a well-considered and wise decision on the part of super chef Andrea Foulkes, and know that it speaks nothing of her culinary creativity and skill.
Portions are well-sized, especially considering the richness of the meal options. The wine list offers a reasonable range of choices for both the budget conscious, and those looking to extend the extravagance.
Both the starters, and dessert, are designed for ‘grazing’ – a variety of tasty tapas to start, served with the house salad and beautiful fresh ciabatta; and an ‘adult fantasy platter with a selection of decadent sweet delights’ featuring fairy cupcakes, brings the meal to a Turkish Delight-full close.
It is the extra touches that help to ‘make’ the place. Rich reds and purples colour the place with opulence, while the smoking deck offers a scenic and exclusive view of some of the city buildings. Many waiting staff ensure that whenever your heart desires something, there is someone close at hand to get it for you, but they manage to do so without being intrusive. The ‘ladies’, although a little dimly lit, is worth a visit, and it is suggested, even encouraged, that the party move upstairs to Moroccan-themed club, The Fez, to continue the festivities beyond the end of the meal and show.
In accordance with the theme, one really can afford a rare night of fancy-free fun. Dress up to the nines, if you will, and indulge the dream…
Performances run throughout the festive season from Mondays to Saturdays at 8:15pm with tickets costing R350 to R395 per person that includes the show, a three course meal and free entry into The Fez. For group bookings of ten or more, a 10% discount offer is available. Advance booking is essential, with ticket and VIP Lounge bookings via bookings@vaudeville.co.za or 0861 SUPPER. Vaudeville and the Fez Club is located at 11 Mechau Street (off lower Bree Street) on the Foreshore in Cape Town. Ample on-street parking with security is available around the venue. Please note there is PG13 rating on this show.
Fiona Gordon
fiona@artslink.co.za
www.artslink.co.za
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