In this article, discover the buzz of an evening, the behind-the-scenes of the Cabaret de Licques, and what goes on behind the curtain. Experience an evening at the Cabaret from the inside, as if you were there! Meet the various people involved. Fabulous dancers, French cancan, frills, … Founded in 2017, the Cabaret de Licques is gradually establishing itself as the benchmark for dinner shows in Hauts-de-France, a symbol of French-style glamour. For almost 5 years, this venue with its “French touch” has been enlivening tourists’ evenings with a show performed around 80 times per season, from September to June.
THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A DANCER AT THE CABARET DE LICQUES
5:30 PM, the dancers arrive. A troupe of 15 artists brings the cabaret stage to life every evening. Among them are several different nationalities, with a small majority of dancers from the United Kingdom. Leigh-Anne Allner explains that to be part of the troupe you must “be at least 1.75 m tall, have classical dance training, and also have an attractive physique and a personality.”
MARGAUX, DANCER: “DANCING HERE IS A NEW CHALLENGE FOR ME”
Margot, dancer, applies her makeup[/caption] We followed Margaux, a dancer at the Cabaret for around ten months. When she applied for the casting, she did not believe it at all. “Dancing here is a new challenge for me after leaving the Lido de Paris; we know the standards here are high,” she says. Every evening behind the scenes at the cabaret, it is the same ritual: 30 minutes of makeup and 1 hour of warm-up. The dancers are free to get ready as they wish. One rule only: red lipstick, a symbol of elegance and glamour.
COSTUMES REPRESENT THE LARGEST BUDGET EXPENSE
Glamour is the Cabaret de Licques’ signature symbol. The showgirls wear the most beautiful costumes. Margaux then takes us behind the scenes of the cabaret. What woman would not dream of such a wardrobe? In total, around a hundred costumes and dozens of pairs of shoes are laid out. Lillie, the head costume designer, makes alterations for every show; the costumes are heavily used. Since 2017, the “Fantastic” revue required two years of work and an investment of eighty thousand euros.
A costume with ostrich-feather boas[/caption]
AN AUDITORIUM THAT IS ALMOST FULL AT EVERY PERFORMANCE
9:15 PM, the auditorium is full, the atmosphere is electric; 280 people have made the trip and are waiting for the show to begin. 10:15 PM, the curtain rises and the artists make their entrance. The magic works immediately: the audience is speechless, admiring the dancers with stars in their eyes. In total, four acts follow one another after the opening and the legendary French cancan. We move from fashion to travel, from white feathers to red feathers, to end with the revue’s grand finale.
EGUINALDO, ACROBAT: “THE AUDIENCE SHOWED UP TONIGHT”
10:00 PM, during the French cancan, we meet Eguinaldo, an acrobat. The circus acrobat from Brazil amazes everyone with his feats. He also strings together acrobatics, jumps, and the splits with apparent ease—at least, that is what we think as spectators. We meet him as he leaves the stage after his act, out of breath, with the colourful accent that characterises him: “It was great, I’m very hot. The audience is here tonight; there’s amazing energy.”
Eguinaldo, acrobat and dancer[/caption]
THE FANTASTIC REVUE: A SHOW FOR ALL GENERATIONS
12:00 AM, the show ends. Faces say it all; a few guests leave with smiles on their faces. We meet a Belgian guest. “It’s fantastic,” he exclaims. “You feel like you’re in Paris. The costumes are a feast for the eyes.” In addition, a young couple—a man in his thirties and his friend—also share their thoughts: “It’s a show for all ages. The artists are incredible; everything was perfect!” There is no doubt: the magic of the Cabaret de LICQUES worked once again tonight.
To discover our Fantastic revue, book your show date now!
