The fierce women of Yuck Circus are back at Melbourne Fringe, cobbers! Thanks to that pandemic, they’ve been unable to tour for a while. So, they’ve drawn inspiration from our home, Ostraya, in composing their latest show: Deadset.
The show takes place in a new venue for Melbourne Fringe – the Magic Mirror Spiegeltent – which looks suitably old-timey with its mirrored pillars and stained glass, but possibly isn’t. However, the house can accommodate a stage of suitable height, so all punters should get a decent view, even though the front rows of seating are flat.
The 2019 Melbourne Fringe show from Yuck Circus had moments that were memorably blokey or humorously inelegant. Whilst we continue in this vein in Deadset, we get more circus tricks, alongside the strength, character work, and choreographed group routines which helped the company stand out in their last outing.
The show includes a hoop sequence from an impressive mimic of Kim Day (from Kath and Kim), rollerskating in tribute to an Aussie food icon, trouble in the bush, and some manic work on ribbons. One highlight demonstrated some particular skills, possibly explaining why ladies like the tradies.
The show makes good on its promise of “An all-Aussie, Rock and Roll, powerhouse show” – which featured a number of high-energy routines that suited the 80’s rock soundtrack.
Deadset has done very well at recent Fringes around Australia and bagged awards. The often-unladylike behaviour of Yuck Circus, great costumes, and some unexpected twists, delivered some solid laughs in this well-paced show.
Around 6.00pm is possibly a little early for such a bogan tribute. But it would be downright un-Australian to miss a good piss-take. So, be a real Aussie, and skive off work early so you can get a drink in before the show.
YUCK Circus: DEADSET
Runaway Festival Park – Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent: Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Performance: Thursday 6 October 2022 – 6.00pm
Season continues to 23 October 2022
Information and Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au
Image: Yuck Circus presents Deadset (supplied)
Review: Jason Whyte