Duckie at Contact

Andrew Anderson

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Le Gateau Chocolat: Duckie

Contact Theatre, Manchester
24-25 October 2017

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

© Manuel Vason
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Le Gateau Chocolat is an artist with a mission: to make serious message-driven masterpieces using traditional cabaret techniques. And, so far, he’s succeeding.

Black, his last work on at Contact, told of his personal struggle with depression, while still packing in enough jokes to keep the punters happy. Now with Duckie, he’s turning his attention to the problem of bullying. It’s an idea taken from the Ugly Duckling story, except this time without the saccharine ending of a magical transition. Instead, his character of Duckie has to find his own redemption and discover the beauty in himself – it’s not going to be handed to him.

Of course while the message of Le Gateau’s shows are important, the reason he has a stage in the first place is because of his wonderful voice. Deep, commanding and capable of transmitting any emotion he cares to, it’s a special experience to hear it; his rendition of Old Man River during his 2014 show I Heart Chocolat had me (and many others) in tears.

I’m sure no matter what songs he picks – be they pop tunes or opera standards – Duckie will be an amazing musical experience – and one that can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

Where to go near Duckie at Contact

Manchester
Music venue
The Deaf Institute

The Deaf Institute is a vibrant gig venue and nightclub for which it is well worth taking a jaunt out of the Northern Quarter.

Manchester
Catalog Bookshop

Find Peter and his Christiania cargo bike around All Saints Park, a hop, skip and a bunnyhop from Manchester Poetry Library.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Sandbar

Sandbar, just off Oxford Road in Manchester, is a well-loved watering hole, with a great selection of ales and some eccentric seating.

Johnny Roadhouse store
Manchester
Shop
Johnny Roadhouse

Buffeted by fried chicken outlets, legendary musical instrument emporium Johnny Roadhouse has been serving the local music community for over 50 years.

Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Eighth Day

Eighth Day is a co-operative shop that sells ethically-sourced food, wine and cosmetics. There’s also café that serves hearty, healthy meals in the basement.

Manchester
Event venue
The Proud Place

Based in the heart of Manchester on Sidney Street, The Proud Place houses The Proud Trust and serves as a community hub for the wider LGBT+ population across Greater Manchester and beyond.

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