The boys from Head First Acrobats are back in town for the 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival, kicking things off with their latest offering, Elixir Revived.
Head First Acrobats are a group from Melbourne that have been touring the world with their award-winning shows. In 2022, they won Best Circus at Fringe World Perth and Adelaide Fringe festivals. Their shows are a mix of slapstick comedy, circus acts, and storytelling. If you saw Railed or Godz in previous years, then you’ll know you are in for a night of laughs, incredible acrobatic feats, and a whole lotta cheek.
Elixir Revived tells the story of a group of scientists who are creating the Elixir of Life. The hitch? They can only test it on themselves. Will they find the winning recipe of strength, agility and coordination, or die trying? Only time will tell.
Their home for this Fringe season is The Vault in Fools Paradise at the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park. This white dome-like structure comes fitted with all the aerial rigging and lights needed for a show like this.
Sitting in a round, you can see the action from every angle. The stage is raised so even shorties like me can sit in the back row and enjoy the show. The staging is very simple, with a desk that you would expect to see in a laboratory, covered with beakers, and test tubes of different coloured liquids off to the side.
Polyphonic music is playing on entry, and the crowd is loud. Throughout the performance, music is used to help with the storytelling and to build the suspense.
There is an AI-styled voiceover, which also helps progress the show and keeps the audience informed of what’s happening. There is a square border of lights around the entrance to the stage, and these change throughout the show from pink to green to blue. There are blackouts and some strobe lighting.
The ensemble of four all wear white singlets and black pants with a red stripe down each leg, but not for long. There is no denying that this cast has more appeal than just their skills.
The group is tight-knit and love having fun together on stage. From choreographed dance moves, support during the tricks, to body shots, it is clear that these boys are just having a good time.
The awesome foursome consists of Liam Dummer, Thomas Gorham, Callan Harris, and Anthony Saltalamacchia. All incredible artists, and each are given the opportunity to shine.
Dummer is a standout with his strap performance, Saltalamacchia keeps the energy and flips high, charming the audience. Gorham makes everyone stare in awe with his dazzling head spinning. And Harris has us on the edge of our seats with his skilled walking ladder act.
Elixir Revived is such a fun show, filled with laughs and high energy. It feels like a peek into a boy’s night where they just keep saying yes to each other’s crazy ideas. It’s a show where everyone is in on the joke, and the aim of the night is just to have a good time. You will leave feeling exhilarated and wanting more. If you are a fan of circus acts, then make sure you check it out this Fringe season.
Elixir Revived runs to 12 October at The Vault, Fool’s Paradise, The Entertainment Quarter, as part of 2025 Sydney Fringe Festival. 122 Lang Road Moore Park NSW 2021.
Tickets: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/elixir-revived/
Website: https://www.headfirstacrobats.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/headfirstacrobats/
Hero image: Immaculate Photography
