Le Gateau Chocolat

Part of La Clique's gang of liminal artists, Le Gateau Chocolat proudly embodies the eclectism of neo-cabaret: opera singer, stand up comedy, moments of sincere monologue, re-invention of popular tunes and a grand concept that links the episodes into a grander narrative. Few performers can match Le Gateau's presence - a huge Nigerian in lycra, eyelashes, wig and red red lipstick. From this unique appearance, he weaves a story that resonates beyond mere showbiz.

While the faster numbers do tax his untrained yet rich baritone, he brings a profound quality to his more off-stage, melancholic moments. Both Nick Cave's Ship Song and Radiohead's Creep are given nuanced readings. Predictable choices - he even dedicates The Ship Song to Camille, who made it a cabaret staple - but appropriate for a show that uses the performer's on-stage and off-stage personalities as a metaphor for the battle between appearance and reality.

While his flamboyant costumes make the man, his on-stage quick changes deconstruct the mysteryof the artist: by slipping between two moods so easily and abruptly, his show-stopping numbers become a symbol of the ridiculous performance of mundane life: the smile in the shit job, the enthusiasm in the pointless interview, the office friendship based on nothing, the show of affection between unhappy lovers. It's appropruiate, perhaps, that his readings of the cheery tracks are perfunctory, and rely more on audience interaction than singing. He struggles to be Barbra Streisland, but makes a convincing drag Thom Yorke.

Le Gateau is a rising star: this is still a work in progress, and as he tours, he will refine. A personal, heartfelt work and his refusal to take up that X-Factor slot means he might bring his idiosyncratic brilliance into the mainstream on his won terms.