Cirque Adrenaline (VAC) – theatre review

Death defying stunts, incredible strength, agility, flexibility, stamina and thrills aplenty are what modern circus is all about. Cirque Adrenaline has all that along with audience participation, courtesy of a cheeky clown. There is plenty to satisfy those who perhaps haven’t seen as many shows of this variety as I have. Littlies in particular will, no doubt, be thrilled, but it is a production that has broad family appeal, as was indicated by the mixed audience that attended opening night.

For me there was very little I hadn’t seen before or that pushed the envelope beyond what I had experienced. That’s not to say that the performers aren’t first rate. They are. All are seriously talented and make the seemingly impossible possible. Created by the producers of The Illusionists and Le Noir, Cirque Adrenaline’s troupe is renowned for its theatrical flair and breath-taking acrobatic displays, both on the ground and high above the stage.

Many of the 30 plus that ply their trade are either former national aerobatic champions or stars of Cirque du Soleil. Each showman has been chosen from among the best circus entertainers around the world, including Russia, China, South America, Africa and Europe.

More than a dozen acts over nearly two hours, including a 20-minute interval, incorporate aerialists, strong men, juggling, a man playing with fire, trampolinists and a synchronised high bar routine. There are balletic acrobatics within the confines of a hula hoop, similar dexterity shown on a suspended pole, delicate balancing upon cylindrical objects and a short performance involving twirling rope climbers. The first half closes with the notorious “Wheel of Death”. It is a large and imposing steel structure with two giant hoops at either end that dominates the stage. Two daredevils position themselves inside and outside the hoops, their movement ensuring the apparatus rotates at speed while they perform their stunts.

The pièce de résistance after interval is what is termed the “Sphere of Fear”. That involves three caged motorcyclists going around and around, up and down, at crazy speeds, narrowly avoiding one another and a pretty lady, who is in there with them.

The time passes quickly, which is a sure sign of an entertaining and engaging encounter, liberally punctuated by enthusiastic applause. And, of course, there is laughter at the expense of those “willing” punters who purchased tickets and are cajoled up onto the stage by the said clown, who silently instructs them, one-by-one, to follow his lead. Cirque Adrenaline is on at the State Theatre at the Arts Centre Melbourne until 10th April.

Alex First