Le Gateau Chocolat: Black at Contact

Andrew Anderson

Queer Contact – Le Gateau Chocolat: Black at Contact Theatre, Manchester 10 — 11 February 2017 Tickets from £15.00 — Book now

Sometimes the saddest things can also be the most beautiful. Le Gateau Chocolat’s last show at Contact was a case in point: yes, the silly routines and the over-the-top songs were wonderful, but it was his stunning rendition of ‘Old Man River’ that was the night’s most memorable moment. A sad song of slave oppression, his incredible interpretation brought tears not only to my eyes, but to those of everyone around me. He is more than simply a singer: he’s an all round performer, who completely inhabits each song he sings.

So, we’re excited to see he’s back at Contact with a new performance piece Black that deals with the subject of depression. Songs in the show include numbers made famous by pop stars like Whitney Houston, jazz singers like Nina Simone as well as the works of classical composers like Wagner.

Expect silly, ecstatic highs, as well as mournful and melancholic moments as Le Gateau Chocolat takes us through his own battle with depression, as well as those of his heroes. Oh, and this time he is accompanied by ten-plus piece orchestra, adding additional dynamic power to the performance.

The show is part of Queer Contact, which, it almost goes without saying, has a number of other amazing acts on the bill (it is, after all, one of the world’s astounding LGBT festivals) including local legends Kate O’Donnell, Debs Gatenby and a Queer Youth Gathering.

Queer Contact – Le Gateau Chocolat: Black at Contact Theatre, Manchester 10 — 11 February 2017

What's on at Contact Theatre

Vignettes at Contact
TheatreManchester
Vignettes at Contact

Packed with hope, humour and showcasing some of Manchester’s finest talent, join HER Productions for an evening of new writing inspired by the work of Greater Manchester Rape Crisis.

from £10.00

Where to go near Le Gateau Chocolat: Black 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.

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

What's on: Theatre

Culture in South Lakes
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
Culture in South Lakes

Not only one of Britain’s most picturesque national parks, the Lake District is also brimming with culture. Here’s what’s on over the next few months.

free entry
JB Shorts: The Return at 53Two
TheatreManchester
JB Shorts at 53two

A brand new edition of JB Shorts returns to showcase some of the region’s most well-established and talented performers and scriptwriters.

from £12.00
Vignettes at Contact
TheatreManchester
Vignettes at Contact

Packed with hope, humour and showcasing some of Manchester’s finest talent, join HER Productions for an evening of new writing inspired by the work of Greater Manchester Rape Crisis.

from £10.00

Culture Guides

Music in Manchester and the North

From post punk legends to the leading lights of modern shoegaze, read about the most exciting artists playing in Manchester and the North this autumn.