Adelaide Fringe: Le Gateau Chocolat

The show begins and we’re waiting. Suspense. When will Le Gateau Chocolat arrive and where from? Then, out of sight, his smooth, baritone voice bellows from behind us and the star of the show makes his way up the aisle sporting a tight blue frock and eyelashes that you could paint a wall with.

The stage resembles Le Gateau’s bedroom as kid growing up in Nigeria. The plot follows his life in London and the undoubtedly tumultuous journey becoming a cabaret performer.

We’re treated to stories of the icons that have shaped Le Gateau’s life, including everyone from his family to Elvis Presley (who helped him finish the London Marathon) and Whitney Houston to Meatloaf – including a heartfelt rendition of I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

Le Gateau is a performer and we’re a bunch of strangers, yet you can’t help but feel like you’ve known him for longer than 20 minutes as he begins to tell the story of one of his major influences, the late Adrian. What follows is a heartfelt song that induces goosebumps all over.

The onstage costume changes were a nice touch to signify the vulnerability of his social identity. His accompanying band is a great match and the short Beyoncé tribute is hilarious. Allow yourself to be wrapped in Le Gateau’s mesmerisingly smooth vocals.

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