A trip to the Garden of Unearthly Delights would not be complete without one of Strut & Fret’s circus cabaret shows. Making its world premiere in 2025 is La Ronde, a grand variété of circus extraordinaires, and it does not disappoint!
Director Scott Maidment has gathered a collection of stunning, beguiling and insanely talented performers, many in Australia for the first time. Together they blend their circus, comedy, cabaret and burlesque to create a thrilling show, destined to take the world by storm.
Costumes are themed in an eye catching red and there is plenty of sparkle, feathers and fabulous footwear to go around. The soundtrack is loud and fun, with many dramatic cover versions of well known songs. (The link to the playlist can be found below.)
Singer songwriter Gigi McFarlane serves as a host of sorts, singing some covers and even one of her exciting originals. With her soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence, she has star quality and is a dream to watch. She appears on a giant disco ball, and even dabbles in a bit of contortionism, effortlessly singing while doing a back bend.
There are many moments in La Ronde which will see you gasping, laughing and covering your eyes. There’s even a bit of audience participation but it is all done in the spirit of fun. And the Fringe crowd are happy to oblige, adding to the overall festive vibe.
British freestyle unicycle champion Sam Goodburn is a welcome inclusion, bringing the comedy with his extraordinary unicycle and clowning skills. Best described as a silent comedy show with a strong overarching biscuit theme, his trouser trouble act is a treat to watch and sets a fun tone. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Where’s Wally, Sam wears a beanie, spectacles and various bathrobes, but his essence is completely adorable. I wanted to see even more of him in the second half of the show.
The remaining five performers are aerial and trapeze artists of the highest calibre, and dazzle with their speciality acts. Diana Bondarenko performs on a pyramid trapeze, twisting and turning with her wild blonde hair flying freely.
Australian Adam Malone confidently works the stage and impresses with his head balancing act on the Washington trapeze. He is one of the only artists in the world currently performing this act and he does it in heels.
Polina is a hair hanging aerialist and simply stuns with her technical artistry. Exactly as it sounds, her act is performed via a giant hook sticking out of her bun. It is no surprise to learn she holds a Guinness World Record for her spins.
Cheeky Felipe Reyes works the crowd as he demonstrates his impressive skills in hand balancing and aerial straps, complete with feathered cape. But it is his mouth hanging aerial act which is truly astounding. Also exactly as it sounds, he is suspended in the air holding on with nothing but his mouth. He even throws in a a bit of fire at one point for good measure. Why not?
Sergiy Mishchurenko takes things to the next level, pun intended, with his flying pole act. Somehow managing to make the whole thing look effortless, he is simply incredible to watch. Clearly a master at what he does, it is no surprise to learn he has a sizeable TikTok following.
The Spiegel tent is fully air conditioned and breezy with great seats circling the stage, and there’s a handy bar next door for pre-show drink purchases. With a run time of approximately 90 minutes plus a quick 15 minute intermission, La Ronde is the perfect show to catch after some dinner and drinks with friends. For the early birds, LIMBO The Return is on before La Ronde in the same venue. There’s even time to catch both if you’re keen!
La Ronde captivates with its daring fusion of acrobatics, sensuality, and theatrical flair, delivering a mesmerising spectacle that lingers long after the final act. It was a thrill to witness this world premiere show and I am certain La Ronde will take flight, joining Strut & Fret’s line up of world class circus cabaret shows.
La Ronde is on now and runs every night except Mondays until 23 March at the Garden of Unearthly Delights as part of Adelaide Fringe, 2025.
Tickets: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/la-ronde-af2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LaRondeShow
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/larondeshow/
Photo credit: Jacinta Oaten
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