Acrobatics is impressive, but the folks at Head First are literally turning the art form upside down.
'Elixir' is a show full of crazy flips and twists, integrated with the theme of science, just to make it that little bit more interesting.
Add shirtless male acrobats and an audience on the edge of their seat, and you've got a great show.
Thomas Gorham, member of Head First Acrobats, reveals a bit about the show.
Where does the inspiration for this show come from?
Video games, zombie films, 'Frankenstein' and classic slapstick acts.
Can you tell us a bit about your history with acrobatics?
I personally was introduced to acrobatics through break dancing, then went to circus school in Melbourne. All of the cast went to the same circus school, NICA, and we all have a Bachelor Degree in circus.
Why is this show a good fit for Sydney Fringe?
It's sexy, zany, hilarious and amazing. Its been a big hit at fringe festivals all over the world. The combination of crazy skills and jokes should be a hit with Sydney crowds.
Head First Acrobats is known for combining old school slapstick comedy with death-defying acrobatics... How did you find a balance between those two things?
It took a long time to find our niche in the circus world, but we have carved it out nicely. Slapstick comedy can be difficult to present without being naff, but we have mastered getting the audience into the comedy without sacrificing any skill.
What do you love about the art of acrobatics?
It's so pure as an art form. There's no faking anything with acrobatics, no smoke and mirrors... Everything is legitimate, and the audience really appreciates the difficulty involved.
There's a science-y element to 'Elixir'... How do you integrate pharmaceutical laboratories with death-defying stunts?
There's a lot of not-so-subtle references to drug use, as well as pharmaceutical corporate greed. It's such a great setup for acrobatics in the show because each medicine produces a different effect for the acts.
The show promises to have audience members "questioning the limits of the human body"... How?
Without giving too much away, there are some world-class skills in this show. Swinging on a trapeze on our heads, spinning upside down in the cyr wheel, flips on a see-saw. It's non-stop action.
How long does it take to perfect a show like this?
'Elixir' has taken over two years and 100 shows to get to this level.
Why should people see 'Elixir’?
If you like any comedy, circus or physical theatre, you will love 'Elixir' and should definitely see it. There are no other shows like it, it has zombies and sexy acrobats, what's not to love?
