Review: 61 Circus Acts in 60 Minutes

This title is not a metaphor. Like Snakes on a Plane, what you see is what you get. And these 60 minutes equal an hour of hilarity, incredible stunts, and five people entertaining everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

David Sampford, Mali de Goey, Freyja Edney, Lachlan McAuley and Lewis West belong to Circa, a troupe redefining the concept of circus performance. They perform an astounding range of acts including juggling, acrobatics, balancing, and tumbling. They add lovely touches of humour, silliness and surprise.

A screen on the side of the stage counts down the seconds ... the performers count through the acts. Some last a few seconds, some more than a minute. Can they really make it in time?

The action doesn’t let up, and you will find yourself in a state of almost permanent applause. You will laugh, cheer and, if you’re very lucky, even become part of the show.

Occasional boo-boos were skilfully blended into the performances in a funny, charming way. In fact, it added to the experience to see that these incredibly accomplished and talented young people were able to slip up and keep going.

Enhanced by clever mixes of music, the performers banter and engage with each other and the audience. They look like they are having enormous fun.

There are many wonderful moments, but as a great deal of the magic is in the unexpected, I won’t give away too much. But I must acknowledge “Great Australian Tragedies as Expressed Through Interpretive Balance” (or words to that effect)!

On a serious note, it is a wonderful opportunity for Boomers to take grandkids to see just how amazing, powerful, versatile and beautiful the human body can be. In a world of CGI, instant gratification and reality television, it’s also a potent reminder of what the individual can achieve with dedication, perseverance and passion — and no doubt, a fair bit of pain.

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NOTE: Because Oz Baby Boomers values good theatre and because it appreciates the fact that good theatre can't be staged without the generous assistance of sponsors, it is pleased to acknowledge those sponsors.

In the case of 61 Circus Acts in 60 Minutes, we would like to particularly acknowledge the following on behalf of Circa: