As I descend Café de Paris’ sweeping, gilt staircase, my eyes and ears are immediately drawn to the stage where Ivy Paige – La Rêve’s corset clad ringleader – is entertaining the audience, with her sass and show stopping songs.
Expectations are high. After all Bête Noire and Boom Boom Club – the brains behind the night – are billing the cult cabaret night as a “summer of sin” and the show has opened to rave reviews. Grazia called it ‘a carnival of jazz age splendour’ while Time Out declared La Rêve to be “more fun that you can shake a bug glittery stick at!”
But a packed, jumped up joint this is not (there were empty spaces on our table). Perhaps the bank holiday has played a part?
Yet despite the underwhelming attendance, this is a catchy evening. On stage, vintage vocal six piece, the Tootsie Rollers – fresh from singing at Oscar award winner Colin Firth’s 50th –are a revelation wowing the crowd with their stunning harmonies and cute 50s inspired outfits.
The other acts are far from shabby, with performances spanning circus, dancing girls and aerialists. Come 11pm, and it’s time to retire to the VIP bar for a riotous vintage party, or enjoy the West End clubbing experience with Cafe Late Fridays in the main ballroom.
La Rêve at Café de Paris deserves to do well. It’s a gorgeous venue and while the crowd might not be Marilyn and mob, the live acts do provide a snapshot of the golden age of nightclubs. Oh – and you get a three course meal too.
La Reve, Café de Paris3-4 Coventry Street, W1
From £45 for three course dinner and show. For more information visit www.lareve.co.uk or email info@lareve.co.uk
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San Francisco
March/April 2012
