Circus Oz is rolling with its new national show 'But Wait... There’s More'. Carl Neumann reviews the Melbourne leg before the show rolls nationally.
It is quite a different Circus Oz show this year. While previous years have seen a tounge-in cheek poke at current politics, this year the flavour is 'stuff'. It’s about commercialism and how we, consumers, are easily led into the 'buy-now' trap. A song performed by Matt Wilson cleverly pointed out just how much truly unneeded 'stuff' the average family purchases but yet are compelled to buy more still. It was well delivered and quite hilarious, and the crowed responded accordingly — laughing and giggling the way through.
Skilled acrobatics, clowning, juggling, slapstick comedy, an incredible hula-hoop performance, a deathly plunge from the roof of the big top were among the entertaining goodness.
The circus band, led by musical director Ania Renyolds, kept the rhythm alive and fuelled the story along which created a sense of suspense, joy and intrigue. While the acrobats flipped and twirled in wonder the sound of a bass drum pounded like a heartbeat and as the clowns joined in the fun the tooting trumpets created the extravagance.
Evident, too, was a more serious side of Circus Oz. The original owners of the land were properly acknowledged, by hip hop artist and actor Candy Bowers, and the request to help support refugees and asylum seekers with a small donation on the way out was not out of place.
Circus Oz is no mere travelling circus. You won’t see ill-looking animals and worn-out performers doing the same old routines year after year. Since 1978 Circus Oz has travelled to 26 countries, across 5 continents and has performed to well over 3 million people. Appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 42nd Street, the Tivoli Gardens and even a glass opera house in the Brazilian rainforest has cemented the history and pitched the foundation for many future Australian performers.
Whether you are looking for a fun day with the family, a unique first date experience or a night out with your best friends there are many reasons to experience our very own, fantastic, Circus Oz.
