Jean Paul Gaultier: Fashion Freak Show at the Roundhouse

An irreverent, fun, fashionable extravaganza invades the Roundhouse in Camden. Tracing and retelling the life and creative growth of Jean Paul Gaultier, Fashion Freak Show entertains with a mix of catwalk, cabaret and dance. 

From the age of nine, Jean Paul was attracted to offbeat and original creations, from freaky early drawings to corset mania and his teddy bear sporting the iconic conical bra. His openminded grandma (interpreted here by Micheline Presle) exerted a significant influence and encouraged the child to express himself freely. The discovery of the world of the Folies Bergère and the iconic names from the nascent French Maisons sparked within him ideas and visions that would shape his life going forward. 

This production is enrapturing and ebulliently energetic. As the writer, director and set/costume designer, Gaultier has envisioned a spectacle of colour and more on various fronts. The lighting, backdrops and digital projections are remarkable: the stage is used to its fullest, incorporating luminous striped catwalks and moveable panels, alternately semi-transparent and with footage running across. On this platform, the dancers, models and anyone in between are set. Cabaret acts follow sequences of contemporary dance, disco and pop, with the movements all coordinated and voluptuous in a way that approaches an actual catwalk presentation. For the occasion, Gaultier worked on new costumes to integrate with some of the dresses from his historic défilés. The resulting display is bold and exaggerated, a dynamic portrayal of the design provocateur.  

Those only vaguely familiar with the extravagant style may be shocked and surprised, but will also be mesmerised by the free, flagrant approach of the artist and, with him, the performers, who are having at least as much fun as the audience, vibrantly embracing the spirit of the production. 

Demi Mondaine sings live when the stage is less crowded, leaving space for a bonanza of genres for the rest, in tune with the scenes: the flurry at the Palace, the trip to London, the mockery of plastic surgery, the initial cold reception of his collections by fashion experts and then the big stars looking for one of his creations. The show is enriched with star guest appearances, including the likes of Rossy de Palma, Catherine Ringer and Catherine Deneuve, in pre-recorded cameos. 

The runway becomes a tool – a powerful and stylish means of expression. And the grandeur and originality of Gaultier’s mind are the protagonists at the venue. C’est vrai: le freak, c’est chic.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Mark Senior

Jean Paul Gaultier: Fashion Freak Show is at Roundhouse from 15^th July until 28^th July 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch a trailer for the production here: