- The Two Faces of Slide
I first met Claire de Lune several years ago after a Saturday night waitressing shift at a friend’s restaurant, Tharon’s in King’s Cross (no doubt in a money making spurt to buy a plane ticket to Europe). Someone whispered that she was French and a famous drag queen and after the manager locked the door and poured wines, he commanded ‘tap dance for Claire!’. Being used to spontaneous performance, and with visions of the Paris stage, I don’t think it took much more encouragement for me to oblige. After a mini-routine, Claire jumped up with her delicious joie de vivre and cried ‘you are star! you must come to dance at my television show’. But of course! I accepted, tickled pink.
And so, after a couple of rehearsals where I was wooed by the depth of her walk-in wardrobe of sequined costumes (her tops served as dressed for me!), I joined her and posse for a tap dance number on her channel V show, then was also booked to do numbers with her at the Officers’ Spring Ball (where Claire was an absolute HIT) and an event at Home nightclub where I was ‘no place like Home’ Dorothy and a little old ‘Home Sweet Home’ woman knitted in a rocking chair and gave out condoms while Claire swanned around charming the guests. The best thing about Claire was her generosity of spirit- she didn’t feel the need to rehash that bitchy boring ubiquitous drag queen character but oozed life and inclusiveness. Straight men warmed to her as much as everyone else. She didn’t make anyone on edge but warm and happy.
Recently, back home in Sydney from Paris and sniffing out the ‘new’ cabaret venues, the hilarious Vashti Hughes told me about Slide run by a certain Marc Kuzma. Never heard of him… or had I?
While it was like meeting a stranger, Marc, the other side of Claire de Lune was polite, professional and very accommodating.
How did you become involved in Slide?
I was first employed as a consultant when slide was created, then got the job as restaurant manager, then general manager and now: general manager, executive chef, artistic director and licensee.
What were your inspirations in seeting up Slide as it is today?
Definitively Europe. I always loved the Buddha Bar in Paris.
What else did you want to create with this venue and why?
A fun but stylish place to showcase live entertainment but with also a strong emphasis on food.
Tell us about El Circo….and Vampire Stories?
El’circo was an idea I have been playing with for years, so when I started at Slide, all the ingredients were there. It has been going now for nearly 4 years and is moving full time by mid year. Nice to have a success! Vampire Stories was written for Claire de Lune, she missed the stage and begged me for an opportunity to perform again! We had a 6 months season last year and we are bringing back the show next month for 3 performances only.
What other good shows are coming up?
Miss Bette- a tribute to Bette Middler by Catherine Alcorns has been selling out once a month for the last 3, and will be back monthly and Three to Tango our amazing modern tango show will be back in May for a month season
What for you makes a good show?
Performers who care and are good at their craft, good sound and lighting and a receptive audience.
And what makes a good entertainment venue?
Friendly staff, quality equipment, nice toilets, interesting decor!
Any local or global favourites?
I love the Buddha Bar in Paris, Phuket Fantasy in Thailand, The Tiffany Show in Pataya and The Crazy Horse in Paris.
What have you learnt about what audiences want through your time in the industry?
They want to be entertained, good value food and drinks and most of all to be made feel special.
While I know Claire- I don’t know anything about Marc…tell me a little about him.
I was born in Troyes, Champagne, I am the shy one and stay mostly behind the scenes!
What’s next?
El’circo is going on tour, first booking is 22 days at the Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL.
If, like me, you’re wondering about where to see Claire- next show for her at Slide is the Vampire Stories on the 8th of April. In the meantime, watch her show demonstrate how to make macaroons!
Slide bookings and info are here.
