Show Description:
Isobel, a French courtesan, falls for her client in a tale of bittersweet, unrequited love that explores the glamorously dark side of society and the irony of lust without fulfillment.
Inspired by the magical bohemian allure of Paris, famous cabaret establishments such as Le Chat Noir and luxurious bordellos Le Chabanais and Le Sphinx.
Featuring sultry live vocals, fetish burlesque, aerial performance and the songs of Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Nina Simone and Marlene Dietrich.
Producer/Writer:
Nikki Nouveau
Director/Choreographer:
James Taylor (The Royal Ballet, El Circo, Risque Revue)
Characters:
Nikki Nouveau as ‘Isobel’ (Vocals, Burlesque, Narrator)
Simonne Smiles as ‘The Other Woman’ (Aerialist, Contemporary Dance)
Damien Grima as ‘The Lover’ (Aerialist, Adagio)
Reviews:
“Sexy, fun, a little decadent and nicely polished. Nouveau takes us on a tour of classic songs of love and heartbreak from greats such as Brel and Piaf, and sings them with aplomb and sufficient melodrama. Her numbers are solid and entertaining, and the interludes of bombastic shadow-play costume changes were right on the money”
– Arts Hub
“The Melba Spiegeltent was filled to capacity with cabaret fans eager to catch what had been promised to be a night of ‘kink and cabaret’ by artist Nikki Nouveau. Choreographed by James Taylor (The Royal Ballet, El Circo Sydney) and Written by Nikki Nouveau, Bordello Blues was a bittersweet narrative brought to life with songs by Edith Piaf, Nina Simone and Marlene Dietrich. The most alluring element of this production was Nouveau’s vocals. Amidst burlesque and a divine doubles aerial hoop routine, that really is saying something. Nouveau’s vocal ability is extraordinary; simultaneously delicate and passionate. Delivering in French and English, she had the audience captivated from start to finish. The burlesque elements were tasteful and in context, the aerial components were beautifully executed. This show enjoyed sell out seasons at the Edinburgh and Sydney Fringe Festivals and it’s clear to see why”
– Crystal Corocher, Arts Journalist
“Glamour and Intensity”
– Rip It Up Magazine
“Nouveau’s performance was masterful, pulling off complicated choreography (in heels!) and challenging songs with ease and flair”
– On Dit Newspaper
Venues and Tours:
The Space UK, Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Sold out season!
Slide Lounge, Sydney Fringe Festival – Sold out season!
Melba Spiegeltent, Melbourne – Sold out season!
Nexus Cabaret Theatre, Adelaide Fringe Cabaret Festival
Show Images:
Photo: Len Panecki
Photo: Alex Black
Photo: Jason Vanderpeer
Videos: