Sensational Flemish showbiz celebrations TEXT: MYRIAM GWYNNED DIJCK | PHOTOS: HET WITTE PAARD
It is a spectacle like no other. Het Witte Paard in Blankenberge, Belgium, combines the most sensational dance, circus acts, music and international artists into one packed show of top-class entertainment. The variety shows by Het Witte Paard are dynamic, breath-taking and authentic. They are aimed at all ages and attract a wide-ranging crowd including families, couples and corporate gatherings. The shows are held at Het Witte Paard revue hall, which has a capacity of 700 people and features a unique Tirol-inspired interior. During the evening, the music is provided by a professional live orchestra 94 | Issue 29 | May 2016
and an extra layer of entertainment is supplied by Het Witte Paard’s own show ballet. They are already fully geared up for the summer, when holiday makers from all over Europe will flock to Blankenberge, a charismatic seaside town. Celebrating their 80th anniversary, Het Witte Paard has something extra special lined up for this season as, for the first time, they will host two different shows. The formula for success The first, the main Summer Show, suitably themed ‘80th Celebration’, runs from July to September. Several international
acts will take the stage, including Dutch singer and entertainment veteran Rob de Nijs. Along with his festive music, the show will feature the characteristic mix of astonishing acrobatics, spectacular dances and humorous sketches. The second show, La Merveilleuse Revue, has been extended due to an overwhelming demand. Initially produced as an Easter spectacle, the show proved so popular that it will return for three more dates in July. With four international top acts, La Merveilleuse Revue is specially aimed at a global audience. Ann Fransen talks about the highlights of La Merveilleuse Revue: “Firstly, there are the six bur-