Sword swallowing. Striptease. Devastatingly handsome English gents. Bath tub ballet. It is all there in La Clique: A sideshow burlesque which has eyes flashing and hearts fluttering in wonderment wherever it backflips.

Back in Brighton for the second time, after selling out shows across the globe, the secret of La Clique's continuing success is its dazzling combination of mind-boggling acrobatics, voluptuous vaudeville, and sheer, sultry sex appeal.

"It's dark, sexy, daring, mysterious and arousing," says associate producer Monique Harvey. "The big appeal is being so close to the performers, within touching range. It's like a circus in your pocket.

"It really is difficult to get that kind of feel anywhere else."

The inspired creation of director David Bates, La Clique was conceived especially for the touring Spiegeltent whose voluminous canopes carry the weight of eight decades of colourful Berliner Kabarett history - and if you're tipsy enough you might even catch the ghost of Marlene Dietrich lingering in the wings.

"Every Spiegeltent has its own character," says Monique. "They are a magical world of their own. Anyone who enters seems to leave their inhibitions at the door. It is quite incredible."

The mirrored pillars create a kaleidoscope of colour and serve to heighten the intimacy of the experience. "Wherever you are sitting," says Monique, "you can see the show from another angle, reflected in the mirrors - and you can see the reactions of other people in the next booth, which would otherwise be hidden. It is a unique experience."

La Clique is the spirit of The Spiegeltent made flesh.

"We've tried to create the show out of the fabric of the tent," says David. "The piano becomes the stage, the bar becomes the stage, and people in the front rows get very wet!"

A world-class cast of talented performance artists inlcudes David O'Mer, a shooting star in the world of German vaudeville, who performs spectacular aerial ballet in and over a bathtub. It will be his first appearance in Brighton, after a damaged ankle last year forced him to pull out at the last minute.

In between the triumphant arcs of water he creates you will see hipsizzling hoola, roof canopy cabaret and the infamous and mischievous disappearing handkerchief act.

You will also be mesmerised by the cigartoting ingenue, Miss Behave, one of the last living female sword swallowers in the world. The Polish Caesar Twins, who wowed the audience last year with their antics in a giant perspex goldfish bowl, are off doing their own thing so won't be around this year.

Instead, La Clique presents The English Gentlemen, who will perform an amazing acrobatic adaggio routine with a surprising and very English twist.

The final act of the two-hour long show is luscious French/Irish chanteuse Camille O'Sullivan, who, having been spotted singing Marlene Dietrich standards in The Spiegeltent two years ago, scooped a role in alongside Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins and Will Young in the film Mrs Henderson Presents.

"All the performers embody an element of danger and confrontation," adds Monique. "The show is like a late-night saunter through the strangest and sultriest circus in town."

This year there is an extra element of magic as the Old Steine lawns transforms into the Spiegel Garden, "a garden of dreams, a garden of unearthly delights" with not one but two beautiful, Art Nouveau Spiegeltents covering twice the area.

As well as La Clique, there will be a marquee bar, performances under the stars and a packed programme of diverse music, cabaret, theatre and comedy from noon until night.

The Festival Club and Club Spiegel
Late in the evening both Gaiete and the Spiegeltent L'Ideal transform into nightclubs so you can dance the night away with resident DJs and a host of weird and wonderful characters. If you have bought a ticket to any of the festival events you are entitled to free entry to either club subject to availability.

"Last year there were so many people waiting outside to get in to the Spiegeltent," says festival administrator Tanya Ashdown. "Hopefully this will mean there is enough room for everybody."

Don't miss Stick It On - The Dedicated Sessions (Fri, May 19, 11.30pm, free) and Red Sea Social Club (Fri, May 26, 11.30pm, £5 entry) both at The Spiegeltent L'Ideal.

Club Spiegel at L'Ideal Open Sunday to Wednesday 11.30pm-12.30am, Thursday and Friday 11.30pm 2am No club May 6, 13, 20, 26 or 27. The Brighton Festival Club at Gaiete Sunday to Wedneday 10.30pm-12.30am, Thursday to Sat 11pm-2am. No Club May 29.