As La Clique prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Sydney Opera House, the mastermind behind the show, David Bates, reflects on two decades of pushing boundaries and redefining cabaret. This Australian-born production has earned a global reputation for its seamless blend of burlesque, circus, vaudeville, and variety acts—delighting audiences across four continents. With the milestone season set to kick off this October, Bates opens up about the origins of La Clique, its evolution, and what audiences can expect from this special anniversary production.
Bates’ journey with spiegeltents began in the late 1980s when he first encountered The Famous Spiegeltent at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. It was love at first sight for the then-aspiring pianist. “I was captivated by its magic,” Bates recalls. “Spiegeltents, originally conceived by fairground operators, are beautiful structures that can be erected anywhere—a market square, a forecourt—almost overnight. The Famous Spiegeltent, built in 1920, is the largest and one of the oldest of its kind still in circulation. It’s the ‘Grand Dame’ of spiegeltents, and she captured my heart immediately.”
By 1996, Bates had hired The Famous Spiegeltent for a season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, curating a mix of live music and cabaret acts under its velvet canopy. From this, La Clique began to take shape, born from a series of late-night cabaret performances that captivated audiences. “La Clique evolved organically,” Bates explains. “It was a platform for multiple artists with no long-form show context to appear in, and in 2004, it finally became its own dedicated production.”
In the 20 years since its debut, La Clique has become synonymous with innovation, winning accolades like the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Entertainment. While the technical aspects of the show have advanced over time, Bates emphasizes that the spirit of La Clique remains the same. “The show is a mélange of acrobatics, cabaret, burlesque, comedy, and circus acts,” he says. “It’s constantly evolving because the artists and their performances are ever-changing. That’s what keeps it fresh.”
This dedication to reinvention has allowed La Clique to stand the test of time. Just this year, the show received the Seoul Arts Award, a testament to its enduring appeal. “It’s humbling to see the cultural impact La Clique has had, especially on the circus and cabaret communities,” Bates shares. “Some of our current performers saw the show when they were teenagers and credit it with inspiring them to pursue careers in performance. Now, they’re gracing our little round stage—it’s come full circle.”
For Bates, La Clique’s return to the Sydney Opera House marks a significant moment in the show’s history. His relationship with the iconic venue dates back to 2008 when The Famous Spiegeltent took up residence on the Forecourt for five weeks. “That season was unforgettable,” Bates recalls. “Now, over a decade later, we’re returning to the newly refurbished Studio for a six-week run. The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, so it’s an incredible privilege to celebrate La Clique’s 20th anniversary here.”
La Clique has toured the world, captivating audiences from New York to Paris, London’s West End, and beyond, but Bates says there’s nothing quite like performing in Sydney. “The Opera House is unique, and it feels fitting that this Australian-born show is being celebrated at our country’s most prestigious venue.”
For this milestone season, Bates has curated a lineup that blends fan favourites with exciting new talent. “We’re bringing back two heritage artists from the original 2004 troupe and introducing six phenomenal performers from the next generation of circus and cabaret,” he reveals. “Some of the acts have never been seen before on Australian soil, which is really exciting.”
The show promises to be a thrilling celebration of La Clique’s legacy, with an international cast representing a dozen disciplines from acrobatics to fire-breathing. “It’s going to be the sexiest, funniest, and most dangerous birthday party in town,” Bates teases. “Audiences can expect to leave their troubles at the door and step into our world for an unforgettable night of live entertainment.”
Adding a personal touch to this season is the involvement of Bates’ daughter, Persephone, who has taken on a major role in the production. “At 19, she has grown up alongside the show and has an incredible understanding of its history,” Bates says with pride. “She’s been instrumental in preparing for this season, and it feels like we’re passing the torch to the next generation.”
Over the years, La Clique and The Famous Spiegeltent have launched the careers of countless artists, with alumni performing across the globe in places like Las Vegas, New York, and Paris. “We’ve had performers like Meow Meow, Captain Frodo, and Piff the Magic Dragon go on to great success,” Bates reflects. “But my proudest moments are always about the spirit of family we’ve built within the show. There’s a special bond between the artists, crew, and everyone involved that makes La Clique truly unique.”
As for the future, La Clique’s 20th-anniversary celebration is just the beginning. After its Sydney run, the show will head to London’s West End for the Christmas season, followed by a historic season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2025—returning to where it all began. Other stops include Christchurch, Seoul, and the Gold Coast, with potential returns to Paris, Melbourne, and New York also in the works.
“It’s been a thrilling journey, and we’re excited to continue spreading the magic of La Clique around the world,” Bates says. “But the most special moment will be when we return to our original home inside The Famous Spiegeltent. After almost a decade away, it feels like coming full circle, back to where it all started.”
La Clique 20th Anniversary Season
When: 10 October – 17 November 2024
Where: The Studio, Sydney Opera House
Tickets: From $89.90 + $8.95 booking fee
To book tickets click HERE.
As La Clique prepares to wow audiences once again, this milestone season promises to be a dazzling celebration of 20 years of cutting-edge cabaret. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic that has captivated the world.
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