'Blanc De Blanc Encore' made such a splash that it sold out the Sydney Opera House and opened a Pandora’s box of opportunity and acclaim down under, touring the likes of Brisbane and Darwin Festivals, Adelaide Fringe and Twilight Electric to name but a few appearances.

Jacking up all the opulent cheekiness of that thrilling production, Strut & Fret have brought back the dazzling debauchery for another round in Sydney.

Among the smorgasbord of talented performers making up the 'Blanc De Blanc' cast is Ottawa Canada's Léah Wolff. She's toured internationally with renowned companies like Cirque du Soleil, The 7 Fingers, Strut & Fret, and GOP Varieté in Germany since graduating from l'École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque (ESAC) in Brussels, Belgium in 2016.

We chat to Léah about her involvement in the show, as it plays Sydney's Grand Electric.

What is your role within ‘Blanc De Blanc Encore’?
My main role in the show is as an aerialist. I do an aerial straps act, and my act is called 'Dancer In The Moonlight'. But there are also lots of group acts and dances that I am a part of.

What’s the best thing about being a part of a show like this?
The best part about being in this show is that everyone does everything! I don’t only do my solo act, which can often happen in cabaret shows. We all do so much dancing and comedy and audience interaction. The cast make it such a fun experience.

You’re a few shows into this new season – how have the crowds been so far? Any particularly memorable moments?
The crowds have been really great so far! We’ve been very happy and the audience has really given us great energy so far to kick off the season! There have been a few memorable moments, but they’ve all been part of the audience reacting to what we do in some audience interactions, so don’t want to spoil the fun for your readers! They’ll have to come see the show to find out!

This show is all about escapism and whimsy among other things. Have you found that any of the show’s themes or overarching messages align with your experiences growing up/existing in the world as a queer woman?
I think the shows whimsy and my experience as a queer woman line up in a very lovely way, mostly just in the freedom of expression. As artists in this show we are given free rein to be whoever we are, or want to be on stage, and the freedom to interact with who we want in the crowd; so it’s a really good feeling to know that I sprinkle queerness into those moments.

Have you always wanted to be a performer? What did it mean to be selected to be a part of this show?
I knew quite early on I wanted to be a performer. I grew up as a dancer so even as a kid I was on stage! Being selected to be a part of this show was very exciting because it meant I could keep living my dream: travelling the world and performing! It’s a great feeling to get paid to do what you love, and bringing a night of fun, escape and excitement to people!

Talk a bit about how you were originally cast in this production – how did it come about originally for you?
I worked with our Artistic Director, Scott Maidment for the first time back in 2018. I was in the show 'Love Riot', which was on a P&O Australia cruise ship, and did a few seasons of that show over the years. From there we kept in touch, as I was off touring with many different companies, and he kept making lots of shows with Strut & Fret. Eventually we reconnected and I was the right person at the right time!

Why do you think the sexuality and expression of ‘Blanc De Blanc’ is such a selling point for attendees?
I think the sexuality in 'Blanc De Blanc' is such a selling strong point because of the way it’s brought to the stage. It’s brought with confidence by the performers, which makes it very liberating both for us as artists, and for the audience watching. It’s brought with sensuality and class at some moments, and other times with lots of comedy and tongue-in-cheek humour. In any situation, it never take itself too seriously, which makes it such a delight to watch and be a part of.

How has being a part of this show impacted you?
Working with Strut & Fret is always an impactful experience for artists! I love how every show has sharpened my skills when it comes to comedic timing, and interacting with the audience. It's so much fun to get them involved in the show and have them live the experience with us, but you have to be on your toes and ready for whatever might happen!

How would you describe the show to someone who has never seen a ‘Blanc’ production before?
I’d say you’re in a for a good night! It’s a mix of circus, dance, cabaret and comedy, with a stunning '20s aesthetic and a champagne theme. My favourite description of the show I’ve heard came from our Artistic Director, Scott Maidment. The show is like drinking a bottle of champagne: it starts off classy and sophisticated, and then as you make your way through it and get a little deeper, things get a little more loose and risqué.

'Blanc De Blanc Encore' plays The Grand Electric in Surry Hills (Sydney) until 4 March.