4 Jun 2025

Award-winning nightlife cabaret set to dazzle Aucklanders

From Nights, 9:25 pm on 4 June 2025

The legendary British cabaret La Clique was formed 20 years ago by Australian David Bates. Growing up on a sheep farm playing the piano, David is now an Olivier Award-winner and tours his Spiegeltent of eclectic acts globally.

They opened their season at the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival just last night.

David Bates joins Emile to discuss his legacy as a tastemaker and why talent is what makes cabaret sexy.

A composite image showing David Bates on the left, wearing a white shirt, black pinstripe vest and colourful tie; and an aerial silks performer on the right, flexing suspended upside-down in long red silks.

La Clique was formed by Australian-born David Bates in 2004 and has been touring its daring cabaret acts ever since. Photo: Auckland Live