A heady mix of circus, cabaret, comedy and live music, La Ronde, from the internationally renowned creators of Blanc de Blanc and Late Night Vice, is an exuberant celebration of physical artistry, theatrical flair and unabashed glamour.
Conceived and directed by Scott Maidment, the production brings together an international ensemble of exceptional performers in a high-energy showcase of virtuosity and showmanship.
Staged in the intimate surrounds of the Spiegeltent, the circular stage brings audiences close to the action, with its velvet drapes and glittering surrounds providing the perfect setting for an evening of theatrical surprises.
I was fortunate to catch the Adelaide iteration earlier this year, so it is particularly pleasing to see some audience favourites returning for the Melbourne season, alongside a collection of international talent. New Zealander Zoe Kelly provides a striking spectacle, literally hanging by her hair in an act that combines remarkable control with considerable daring.
Australian acrobat and cabaret artist Adam Malone delights with an inventive hula hoop routine, while Danik Abishev delivers an impressive display of strength and balance, stacking and defying gravity in a performance that holds the audience in awed silence.
Ukrainian performer Sergiy Mishchurenko transforms the Aerial Pole into a living sculpture, carving intricate shapes through the air with remarkable precision. Germany’s Diana Bondarenko commands the Pyramid Trapeze with astonishing grace and grit, balancing fragility and force in moments that make the heart leap.
Swedish performer David Eriksson provides one of the show’s most outrageous highlights, with a ping pong ball routine that is equal parts jaw-dropping and wickedly cheeky, proving that the unexpected can be pure theatrical gold.
Cuban singer and dancer Dorival Junco brings another dimension to the evening, commanding the room with magnetic vocals and infectious stage presence.
The production is further enhanced by Melanie Hawkins’ terrific choreography, Harry O’Meara’s dazzling lighting design and musical selections curated by Maidment, helping maintain the show’s infectious momentum while allowing each performer their moment in the spotlight.
What distinguishes La Ronde is its ability to move effortlessly between spectacular feats of physical achievement, playful comedy and unabashed cabaret glamour. A polished and thoroughly entertaining addition to Melbourne’s cabaret scene, La Ronde understands precisely what makes a great night out, delivering circus and cabaret at their most exhilarating.
La Ronde
Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Performance: Tuesday 20 October 2026
Season continues to 31 January 2027
Information and Bookings: www.spiegelhausmelb.com
Images: The Company of La Ronde – photo by Cameron Grant, Parenthesy | Zoe Kelly in La Ronde – photo by Cameron Grant, Parenthesy | Sergiy Mishchurenko in La Ronde – photo by Cameron Grant, Parenthesy | Dorival Junco in La Ronde – photo by Cameron Grant, Parenthesy
Review: Rohan Shearn