‘The Monocle’ is a fast-paced, contemporary dance and music production dedicated to the legendary Parisian club, Le Monocle, one of the best kept secrets in the glamorous underworld of Paris in the 1930s.
Created by the award-winning UK-based, French choreographer Mathieu Geffré, founder and Artistic Director of Rendez-Vous Dance, the 2026 tour follows public demand after sellout tours in 2023 and 2024.
‘The Monocle’ celebrates the all-but forgotten history of the notorious 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. Although war was on the horizon, it was an era of glamour, jazz, dressing up, dressing down, secret passions, sex and cocktails.
“Newcastle is where it all began for us with the Made in the North East commission in 2022. Little did we know that The Monocle would become a cornerstone of Rendez-Vous dance, touring 33 venues, selling out Wilton’s Music Hall, Northern Stage, and The Lowry and positioning itself as one of the most presented companies in the country. Returning to Dance City for its 40th anniversary and closing the loop with our audiences and friends will be a celebration of queer joy, artistry, and community. The Monocle is a joyful mix of great dancing, beautiful music, historical importance and mischievous moments – our ‘One Last Soirée’ in Newcastle promises to be unforgettable, a heartfelt thank you to the city and all who have supported us along the way.”
Mathieu Geffré, founder and Artistic Director of Rendez-Vous Dance
Rendez-Vous’s seven-strong cast tell stories of the Monocle’s community through a mix of sensual choreography, passionate drama and the live singing of the early-jazz singer, Imogen Banks. Imogen will be singing an array of classic songs made famous by the likes of Edith Piaf, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Nina Simone and more. Songs include Love Me or Leave Me, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Easy to Love, La Vie en Rose, You Go To My Head, The Very Thought of You, East of the Sun and West of the Moon.
“The beauty of The Monocle is how effortlessly it has welcomed a broad and diverse audience. While the show offers a strong sense of entertainment, it also carries an educational and quietly political weight, particularly in drawing attention to the disappearance of safe spaces within our community.
Mathieu Geffré, founder and Artistic Director of Rendez-Vous Dance
“One of the most moving parts of the tour has been meeting members of the lesbian community who shared how deeply the work resonated with them.
“Audiences come to The Monocle for many reasons: some are drawn to the highly physical, virtuosic dance; others are enticed by the cabaret influences; and many are simply curious about the world and the history the work explores. Ultimately, this is a show for everyone. It’s entertaining, informative, political…and a joyful celebration of identity.”
This tour was made possible thanks to Arts Council England, Unity Theatre Trust and is co-produced by Dance City.
