When we heard about an exclusive, secretive, immersive circus speakeasy, Cirque Le Swing in Chelsea, we couldn’t resist investigating. The mystery began with minimal instructions and an address on West 19th Street which, after a quick Google search, appeared to be little more than a commercial unit.
As instructed, we arrived just before 7pm. The only sign of life was a handwritten note inviting us to “Swing on into the alley.” We obliged, finding ourselves in a small covered alleyway between two buildings where a short line was forming outside the entrance to the Hidden Chelsea Speakeasy.
At 7pm sharp, the door opened and we were greeted by the charismatic “Mr D,” our Maître d’ for the evening. We were swiftly shown to our inner circle table, perfectly positioned at the heart of the action.
Soft, semi-improvised jazz filled the room as two members of the house band, “The Trio Secret,” provided background entertainment while the space gradually filled. Cirque Le Swing is positioned as a Supper Club experience. Guests can opt for a dining table with a three-course supper included, or a bar seat where food is ordered separately. We enjoyed the full offering, including dinner and the intriguingly named “Bubbly Experience”. More on that shortly.
We settled into our comfortable table for two, soaking up the hazy, dimly lit atmosphere which genuinely evoked the feel of an underground speakeasy. Scantily clad servers moved efficiently through the cosy space, delivering drinks and guiding guests to their seats.
Awaiting us was a delicious selection of charcuterie, which we enjoyed as the band continued to play. It filled the time nicely before the main show began.
Meanwhile, two circus performers circulated through the room delivering the “Bubbly Experience.” As a playful preview of what was to come, the talented acrobats combined impressive contortion skills with generous audience participation. Guests were invited to attempt a quick ring toss (or in our case, cork throw) before the chosen bubbly was poured, all while the performers demonstrated just how remarkably flexible they were. It was a fun and effective icebreaker that made the audience feel part of the spectacle.
Once drinks were served, it was time for the main event. Our MC and lead singer for the evening, Rori Nogee, took to the stage to open the show. “The Trio Secret” proved to be a well-accomplished jazz trio, delivering classic numbers throughout the night. Interwoven with the music was a light narrative suggesting the performers were eager to let loose, while the slightly reserved Mr D insisted they behave. This thread resurfaced throughout the evening, with cheeky interruptions and moments of playful chaos whenever Mr D was absent.
Between songs came a succession of circus acts, some more daring than others, featuring acrobatics, contortion, and balancing feats. All unfolded within touching distance of the audience as we sipped our drinks and enjoyed Mediterranean flatbread pizza and delicious desserts over the course of the approximately 90-minute show.
The performance culminated in a surprising turn as the now seemingly slightly intoxicated Mr D took centre stage. Without giving too much away, let’s just say we were shown a very different side to the previously prim and reserved maître d’.
Overall, this was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours, especially while escaping the still-frigid NYC temperatures. We particularly appreciated the more intimate interactions as performers roamed the room between larger acts.
That said, we did feel the performers were somewhat constrained by the size of the venue. A little more performance space would have allowed for greater boldness and dynamism, without the constant need to navigate the audience’s close proximity.
Our package also included access to “The Afterparty.” At the end of the show, we were directed through a secret door into the neighboring club. This optional add-on proved slightly anticlimactic. Upon entering, we found ourselves in a largely empty Gentlemen’s Club, understandable given it was only 9pm, but nonetheless a slightly jarring transition from the immersive atmosphere we had just left. It felt like a missed opportunity. Had one or two of the Cirque performers or even dancers from the club itself been on stage or simply there to welcome guests as they arrived, the shift might have felt more seamless and enticing. We stayed briefly for a drink before deciding to head home.
In a city built on reinvention, where hidden doors once masked rebellion and now promise curated escapism, Cirque Le Swing offers a playful twist on speakeasy culture. While the intimacy of the venue occasionally limits the scale of the spectacle, the immersive spirit remains intact. For an evening of jazz, circus artistry and a touch of mischief, it provides a welcome escape from the winter chill.
Cirque Le Swing is running at The Hidden Chelsea Speakeasy until March 7th. Tickets and more information are available here: https://cirqueleswing.wellattended.com
We are giving this 3 / 5 Ds (D D D).
