Circus Oz has had a long history of upholding the finest elements of traditional circus, and this year, guest director Kate Fryer, has delivered a sprightly new show that features a stunning mix of the old and new, allowing the skill of the performers to speak for themselves.
While the group routines (suspended Chinese Pole, trapeze and tumbling) will always be crowd favourites, it’s the individual acts that prove to be highlights. Matt Brown (straps) and Sam Aldham (ropes) aerial work excites, while Shani Stephens’ hand balance act is totally exquisite.
Tara Silcock (as a polar bear) proves she is equally at home foot juggling (a penguin no less) and entertaining the crowd with her comic timing. Adam Malone shows his diversity from his performance on the Washington Trapeze to his electrifying hoop display – proving he can Vogue with the best of them…
Harriet Oxley’s stunning costumes, from the group penguins to the individual outfits in shades of grey, provide a sense of the past and present. Rhian Hinkley’s projections are well integrated into acts, while Jeremy Hopkins (musical director) on drums with Selene Messinis on keyboards and saxophone, provided a quirky musical backdrop that is fun and lively, that keeps the show moving along.
A special mention to Spenser Inwood who stepped in, on a days notice, to perform the group routines for an injured Josie Wardrope, with director Kate Fryer also making a cameo appearance in the later stages of the show.
Take the kids, grab some popcorn, and sit back and enjoy Circus Oz’s latest offering. It’s definitely a fun-filled family night out!
Circus Oz: Aurora
Southern Cross Lawn – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (enter via Observatory Gate – Birdwood Avenue)
Performance: Friday 20 September 2019 – 7.00pm
Season continues to 6 October 2019
Information and Bookings: www.circusoz.com
Image: Tara Silcock – photo by Mark Turner
Review: Rohan Shearn