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Welcome to The Monocle, where nothing is impossible !

This highly virtuosic contemporary dance performance featuring the voluptuous jazz chanteuse Imogen Banks presents the untold story of Le Monocle, a secretly notorious lesbian cabaret in 1930s Paris.

 

Inside The Monocle the air is thick, warm and wavy with secrets and sensuality. Women laugh loudly, drink the night away and abandon themselves into smooth and passionate dances. Just for one night, be our guest at The Monocle and experience the joy of what it feels like to be in a truly safe space.

"Mesmerizing! It boasts a depiction of group sex so gentle, moving and fundamentally erotic that 'kindness is my kink' becomes a very compelling concept"

​★★★★★

Jamie Tabberer - Attitude Magazine

"Coming from a small town in conservative Bavaria, it’s so special to see such an important form of representation and precise social commentary to the current threats toward the queer community in a small rural town. It is an experience that I will cherish for a long time."

 

Peter Sampel - tanznetz.de

"Atmospheric and intense as immaculate storytelling combines with sublime, sinuous dance, The Monocle is stunning."

​★★★★★​

Rosie Sharman-Ward - Pink Prince Theatre Review

"This new première at Northern Stage 2 was a thrill—more dangerous, more skilled, more focused, a richly shaped work."

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Dora Frankel - British Theatre Guide

"At the heart of The Monocle is an incredible story which is told with a complete understanding and empathy."

​★★★★★​

Neill Kovacic-Clarke - Pink Prince Theatre

"Mathieu offers us a gift here: the opportunity to see for ourselves what it looks like to be free in a safe space"

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Helen Redfern - NARC Magazine

"Geffré’s choreography feels daring, skilful, and firmly rooted in his signature stylistic language that blends virtuosity with delicate detail."

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Pagan Hunt - COMMOTION.substack.com

“That was stunning! I laughed, smiled, I was scared and schocked, but moved”

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Ste Dunn - Northern Pride Director

Close your eyes and dive into The Monocle experience

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To download the full transcript please click on the above AD logo

The Creative Team

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Mathieu Geffré

(he/they)

Artistic Director - Choreographer

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Imogen Banks

(she/her)

Singer

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Natassa Argyropoulou

(she/her)

 Performer

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Nate Gibson

(he/him)

Set and Costumes Co-Designer

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Andrew Gardiner

(he/they)

Associate Director

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Alyssa Lisle

(she/her)

Performer

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Ruth Howard

(she/her)

 Performer

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Rachel Shipp

(she/her)

Production Manager & Light Designer

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Coralie Calfond

(she/her)

 Performer

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Zara Phillips

(she/her)

Performer

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James Keane

(he/him)

Composer and Music Director

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Jemima Colin

(she/her)

Apprentice Performer

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Helen Hebert

(she/her)

Set and Costumes Co-Designer

Rendez-Vous dance Executive Consultant : Phil Douglas​​​​

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Special thanks to Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Queen's Hall Arts Centre Hexham, Curious Arts, Prohibition Cabaret Bar and Greenheart Collective for their generous support.

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We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Eileih Muir, Ellis Saul and Nicole Nevitt for their contribution towards the creation and development of this production.

Creative Producer: Rachel Jean Birch ​

Tour Booker: Sarah Trist

Costume Superviser: Yve Ngoo​

Touring Technician: Jess Avery​

Digital Designer: Cave and Sky​

Promo Photographer: Luke Waddington​

Stage Photographer: Cave and Sky

Social Media Manager: Jessica Mallinson​

Press and Media: Robert James​

BSL Interpreter: Caroline Ryan​

Audio Describer: Illuminate Freedom

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