New York-bound Circus Oz bring daring feats of athleticism and strength, as well as laughter to Melbourne Town Hall. They enjoy clowning around to entertain an appreciative audience, but these artistes – short and tall – are seriously good at the circus arts. As someone who has been fortunate to see many circus shows, there are acts here that I haven’t come across before. Juggling heavy bowling balls for one and a 65-year-old woman mock face planting and flying through the air being others.
There is good pacing throughout the 55-minute offering, allowing a variety of prowess to shine. Alongside the bravado is musical accompaniment from Chris Lewis and Carl Polke. First up is Angelique Ross on the trapeze, where she engages in all manner of activity. That includes balancing on the bar, high above the ground, without holding on, letting her neck do most of the work and planking. She also manages to roll around the bar backwards and forwards.
The seven strong multigenerational ensemble take to the floor for an entertaining routine, lifting and tumbling and swinging. Before they exit, chairs are introduced as part of their acrobatic repertoire. A mainstay of the production is a comic archery routine, with Olivia Porter and Angelique Ross returning three times, once involving a blindfold.
Next, we come to the bowling balls, first one, then two and, finally, three. David Trappes treats them as if they were his lightweight play things: throwing them up and catching them, balancing them all over his body and juggling them. To add to the degree of difficulty, much of the act is performed atop a table.
The ensemble returns, with the table being used as a vehicle for more hijinks, before Olivia Porter uses the same for a chicken and egg juggling showcase. Side by side, Claire Bindoff and Violetta Van Geyzel are built differently. That doesn’t prevent them from undertaking a highly acrobatic duet involving one jumping on, balancing on, rolling around with and standing on the other. And then they reverse roles.
Leo Pentland is a flying dynamo on the aerial straps. Whether by hand, mouth or foot, he makes it look easy (which it obviously isn’t), finishing by twisting at speed. Debra Batton defies her age with a hilarious act that owes its success to both anticipation and an unexpected outcome. So I don’t spoil the surprise, you will just have to see Circus Oz in the flesh to find out more.
My only concern about it had to do with the sound mix involving the microphone that was part of the build-up. I was sitting in the middle of the second tier and I couldn’t hear a thing because the voice was totally distorted. The acoustics in the barn-like nature of the Town Hall didn’t help, but I would like to think that will be a relatively easy fix for the remainder of the season.
To end the Circus Oz performance, the ensemble, dressed in attractive black and white capes, stride onto the stage. They clamber up to a vantage point to avail themselves of the flying trapeze, before dropping their gowns to reveal more athletic red and white numbers. All seven join in the resultant fun, with age no barrier to the prowess and dexterity required.
Notwithstanding the sound glitch I just mentioned, Circus Oz Non Stop is a celebration of circus excellence, overlaid with mirth and music. It is playing at Melbourne Town Hall until 20th April, 2025, as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. It marks the company’s first appearance at the iconic venue in more than 20 years.
Next, they head to regional Victoria and then interstate, before making a beeline for the bright lights of New York. To buy tickets for the Melbourne season, go to https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/circus-oz-non-stop/
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Circa’s Carnival of the Animals (Arts Centre Melbourne) – circus review
- The Christmas Spectacular (Melbourne) – theatre review
- The Drill (Women’s Circus) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
