With huge success under their belts from the likes of 'Railed' and 'Elixir', Head First Acrobats (HFA) return home to Melbourne with 'GODZ’.
Armed with a fierce cocktail of storytelling, circus and physical prowess, the boys are hitting the Melbourne Fringe stage in a new, adults-only show which has already garnered positive responses from Adelaide Fringe crowds. It's a deep-dive into the lives of the ancient Gods of Olympus, starring Cupid, Hercules, and Dionysus.
Plus, for something a little more family friendly, look out for the caveman-themed HFA show 'Prehysterical'.
Head First Acrobats are regulars on the international touring circuit. Their shows continuously fill theatres to the rafters, and the international sensation 'Elixir' won Best Circus and Physical Theatre Award at Adelaide Fringe.
To learn more about 'GODZ' – and get some info about 'Prehysterical', too – we sat down with HFA cast member/Company Director Thomas Gorham.
For those unfamiliar, what is Head First Acrobats all about?
Head First is all about fun and dumb, with an element of sexy. We mix high-level acrobatics and comedy, with a sprinkle of revealing costumes, and a generous portion of good fun.
And without giving too much away, what will you be bringing to Melbourne Fringe?
We are so proud of our show 'GODZ'. It's the culmination of all the best elements in our previous works, combined with new and talented cast members. 'GODZ' will redefine what you consider to be a fun show.
Where did the inspiration behind ‘GODZ' come from?
The pandemic ruined the tour timeline of our previous show 'Railed'. So when we are locked in our apartments we brainstormed our new baby that would take the world by storm. We decided on an ancient Greek aesthetic, it suited our style and was so easy and comfortable to play with. 'GODZ' was born.
HFA have received plenty of glowing reviews and fanfare. What does this kind of response mean to the company?
It feels f...ing great. Watching the reviews and reactions come in, it really helps justify the choice to make art for a living. To know that your creation is loved both critically and by your fanbase is a great feeling.
What’s a pre-show ritual that gets you amped to perform?
Circus life is already so ritualistic. Warm up, stretch, practise tricky skills, condition body, do rehab, makeup, do notes. There are already a million routines and they are all essential. My whole pre show is a two-hour ritual.
And further to that – what do you love most about the art of acrobatics/performing?
The challenge! Your life is on the line every night, and you have to knuckle down and make sure you nail it! It's scary but it's also life-giving. And you have to do it all whilst acting, and you get so lost pretending that it's easy and you're amazing that it becomes easy and you feel amazing.
You’re also a company for all ages bringing ‘Prehysterical’ to the Fringe too. What does that entail?
I LOVE this show. It's a caveman-themed circus show for families and young ones. It's actually hilarious for adults too, some of the jokes go over the kids' heads. It follows three neanderthals who become friends and try to quest for food, but scary tigers and other challenges are waiting. Adorable.
How would you describe your Melbourne Fringe offering in three words?
Simply the best.
'GODZ' (6-23 October) and 'Prehysterical' (8-23 October) play Runaway Festival Park (The Vault) (Melbourne Fringe).
