Welcome to The Monocle, where nothing is impossible !
'The Monocle’ celebrates the all-but forgotten history of the notorious Parisian club where glamorous lesbians could dine, dance, sing and socialise without fear of persecution.
Within its decadent but stylish walls, secrecy was paramount, affairs were commonplace, lifelong friendships were cemented, stories were told…and the band played on.
With this performance, Rendez-Vous dance tells the story of the Monocle through a mix of virtuosic choreography, passionate drama and the live singing.
"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
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
Imogen Banks
(she/her)
Singer
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
Alyssa Lisle
(she/her)
Performer
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
Zara Phillips
(she/her)
Performer
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James Keane
(he/him)
Composer and Music Director
Mutyat Anibaba
(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
