Cirque Nouvelle, produced by dynamite husband-and-wife duo James and Rebecca Capener, is a testament to the evolution of the modern circus. For the better part of 170 years, regional travelling circuses have been an integral part of Australian childhoods. The scent of buttery popcorn, the striped canvas and the thrill of sideshow games. Every element of seeing the bright lights of a pop-up tent brought a source of magic and wonder to my early years.
What a joy it was then to return to the stunning Empire Theatre in Toowoomba! It’s a rare occurrence that I make the drive up the range at all, let alone for a show. Or, in fact, a circus. But as time changes, so must all things, including the beloved circus. Cirque Nouvelle intertwines those classic circus elements we’ve grown to love, like juggling and slapstick humour, with the modern flare of lighting effects, immersive staging and a more emotional storyline.
The show’s ringmaster, played by Steve Capener (who also happens to be James’ dad), can’t keep up with the latest innovations. “The circus requires an update,” states a Siri-like AI voiceover. Together, James, Rebecca, Steve and the cast take us on a beautiful journey of preserving circus heritage while embracing this technological change.
This particular reference to needing an update is a nice little nod to society’s reliance on technology and how we must adapt to remain relevant. Having been born in the early 1990s, and growing up alongside the rise of the Internet, it hit close to home just how much times and technology have changed. And now, it seems, even I am behind the times!
At the core of the show are the Capeners, who not only serve as writers and producers, but headline as jugglers, acrobats and all-round entertainers. Their chemistry on stage and clear love for the craft gives the show an infectious energy that has the whole audience in both awe and stitches.
The Capeners’ passion for circus brings a child-like wonder, reminding us why live performance remains irreplaceable and fundamental in an age dominated by screens. The almost-awkward humour between James and Steve had the predominantly child-filled audience giggling with joy. In this way, circus is such a beautiful art form as it is rare to see parents and their children performing together professionally!
Steve’s light-hearted slapstick routines are synonymous with those of a traditional circus ringmaster. His humour is intentionally a bit dry. His faux-French accent while refusing to update keeps the humour light and applicable to an all-ages audience. He has an easy charm, and his playful antics create a sense of familiarity with those circus-tent years, while also pushing the narrative forward.
As is usually the case with modern circus, the undisputed champions of the stage are the aerial performances. Acting as backup dancers as well as high-flying artists, Elysha Atwell, Michelle Screaigh, and Katelyn Aperios deliver routines that open the eyes and drop the jaws. Their acts combine strength and grace in equal measure.
The visual spectacle is enhanced by the sophisticated lighting that highlights every manoeuvre. Unlike a traditional circus, it was a first to see so many of the individual performances elevated with additional on-stage dancers in stunning costumes. It is a nice modern touch and breathes additional energy into the aerial performances. My only note would be that it was sometimes a little distracting. I didn’t know where to look!
Having come all the way from Russia, a special mention must go to the visiting performance of Vlad and Anna Fefelov. Their aerial act is absolutely breathtaking, blending equal parts strength and grace, like a delicious cocktail being stirred high above our heads.
In his solo performance, Vlad shows his incredible mastery of the Cyr Wheel, a Canadian-created circus act consisting of a large hula-hoop-like wheel. His strength and balance are on full display in the routine. It’s an act not often seen in a lot of touring circuses, so a true delight for all those who witness it!
Katelyn Aperios brings the night to a jaw-dropping close, quite literally in a blaze of glory. As a renowned fire dancer, her movements mimic those of the flames as they dance across the stage in a bold and mesmerising fashion. It is fiery, fearless, and a finale no one will soon forget.
Cirque Nouvelle is the perfect concoction of nostalgia, comedy, and sophistication. By blending subtle burlesque with dry, slapstick humour and eye-opening wonder, the Capeners have crafted the perfect all-ages, modern circus. Elevated by on-point storytelling, Cirque Nouvelle is a celebration of everything circus, highlighting its humble beginnings and showcasing what the future may hold as a sleek, theatrical spectacle for all.
Cirque Nouvelle ran at the Empire Theatre, Toowoomba on 13 July as part of its Queensland tour.
The next stops are in New South Wales in September and October. Check their website for the full tour dates.
Tickets: https://www.cameorascale.com/cirquenouvelle
Website: https://www.cameorascale.com/
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One response to “Review: Cirque Nouvelle Spins A Joyful Circus For All”
We watched their show on a cruise and went to see them again in Logan Brisbane. It was just amazing. We loved the father act and James and Beck are just awesome. The Russian couple are also out of this world. So so great to see them. Will definitely see them again when they come to Brisbane or better Sunshine Coast.