Leicester Square Spiegeltent – until 3 January
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
The Briefs Factory’s spaceship lands in Leicester Square Spiegeltent for a Christmas close encounter that is guaranteed to heat up the coldest of winter’s nights.
The Australian boylesque group have enough glitz and energy to light up Leicester Square by just walking into a room. When they are dancing together, they blow the roof off. Hosted by Fez Fa’anana, who also directs, the boys have come from the future to let us know that things will be OK. With the futuristic sci-fi theme and its message of respect, acceptance and hope, Close Encounter is a dazzling show filled with superb dance numbers and mindboggling circus skills.
Let’s be honest, most of the audience would be happy if the boys couldn’t even dance – they are hot, hot, hot! But each cast member has their own special skills and moment in the hot pink spotlight. Captain Kidd’s aerial skills and hoop routine are full of his usual cheeky showmanship, while newcomer aerialist Thomas Worrell’s routines are spellbinding. Dale Woodbridge-Brown is hysterical as a hyped-up white rabbit and Louis Biggs’ sexy scientist strip (while juggling!) is brilliant. Brett Rosengreen’s contemporary dance routine is fantastic, and his dance with the certifiably insane Harry Clayton-Wright is both hysterical and moving. Fez Fa’anana oversees proceedings in a series of fabulously outrageous outfits and with a freewheeling flair that wins over the audience instantly.
Musical director Busty Beatz and lighting designer Paul Lim provide the party music and ensure the boys are perfectly lit in this slicker than slick show, and the well-stocked bar ensures a celebratory atmosphere. And there’s a raffle!
Briefs: Close Encounter is the perfect party season entertainment. Full of fun, fantastic showmanship, and fit and flirty young men – what’s not to love?