Picture a dark, blank space; even the auditorium walls are black. Now add a tutu, splashes of colour, the fluffiness of ducklings, sequins, pom-poms, music and six athletic, balletic, talented male dancers (and one female) and you have the makings of a great night out.
Choreographed by the amazing Phillippe Lafeuille, Tutu, pokes fun at the seriousness of the dance world. Performing with the utmost skill and hilarious aplomb. Making it look easy, the dancers glide from fluffy pink bottoms, to tango, to stunningly graceful pointe solos, with tongue-in-cheek humour that had everyone chortling with laughter. There are itchy legs, smelly breath, as well as perfectly timed slapstick that the children in the audience adored.
Dominique Mablileau, assisted by Guillaume Tesson, is credited with light creation, which makes simple but effective use of shadows and light, making body parts appear to dance alone and creating a carousel of colours twisting with the dancers.
These muscular men (and their tutus) take you on a fun fuelled journey, with splendid wigs, superfast costume changes and superb, impeccable dance. The dance pokes fun throughout, the famous dance scene from Dirty Dancing is just one example, but also challenges the traditional male role within dance, for example, the tutu clad Haka and the beautiful pointe solo.
I will confess there were times when I had no clue what was going on, or why they were dancing with strange things on their heads, but mostly I didn’t care. It was blooming good fun on a wet and windy night!
It runs until 15 February 2026.
Dancers Marc Behra, David Guasgua, Julien Mercier, Kamil Pawel Jasinski, Vincent Simon, Vincenzo Veneruso, Adele Borde
Review: Emma Foxall Photo: Michel Cavalca