Adelaide, you better strap yourself onto the edge of your seat because LIMBO – The Return is this season’s Fringe bucket list show!
Causing quite a social media buzz last year, Strut & Fret’s world-renowned circus cabaret show LIMBO has made a triumphant return to the Adelaide Fringe! Off the back of recent seasons in Sydney and Brisbane, LIMBO – The Return is taking residency at the Garden of Unearthly Delights for the 2025 Adelaide Fringe season.
Directed by Scott Maidment, LIMBO is a spectacular smorgasbord of burlesque, circus and cabaret, sprinkled with a modernised, cheeky vaudeville essence. On opening night, LIMBO – The Return took the audience on a mesmerising journey through their world of love, silliness and thrill.
Maidment has collected a diverse range of performers who know how to captivate the crowd. From gasp-inducing aerial stunts, to perfectly timed crowd-work, these artists cement their status as professionals. Whether solo or in their smaller ensembles, they each hold their own in the intimate venue, clearly evoking pure joy on stage!
Commanding the show with his harmonica in tow is composer Sxip Shirey, who intriguingly invites the audience into the LIMBO realm. The various tones of excitement, shock and thrill are enhanced by the eclectic array of instruments played live by the cast.
The music in this show alone needs a special mention! It’s surprising, lively and deliberately unsettling at times, used to compliment the action on stage or create suspense as the performers transitioned between acts. Andrew McGovern plays the thunderous sousaphone, and Mick Stuart sets the catchy beat on the drums and polymba. Trust me, this original score needs to be heard to be believed!
Hilton Denis came out of the gate with an epic acapella tap performance. His charming stage presence entices the audience to join him in his cheeky interplay of tap and body percussion.
Clara Fable is saucy, cheeky, and a downright pocket rocket. Clara (literally) brings the heat, whether it is fire breathing, singing or dancing, she knows how to entrap the crowd.
Ben Loader gives multiple commanding performances, especially in his insane showcase of aerial rope work. I audibly gasped multiple times at Mikael Bres, who gives Spiderman a run for his money with his pole act.
Flying high physically and metaphorically is Maria Moncheva. With the audience in the palm of her hand, she takes to the ceiling, effortlessly executing her chain aerial stunts.
One of the most memorable moments is their visually stunning feather finale. Mikael, Maria and Ben pendulum back and forth over the crowd, creating a dreamy atmosphere as they engulf the audience in feathers. This is a real treat for our eyes and phones, which are encouraged to capture the show. Beware though, this mischievous trio will eagerly yoink the phone from your hands as they swing down towards you!
Special props to the lighting and stage crew, who deserve praise for their work visually and logistically. Philip Gladwell’s lighting and set design is perfect for the intimate Spiegel Tent. Each artist is expertly framed on the thrust stage, and their pieces are nicely complimented by the lighting hues. The stage crew responsible for the transitions between apparatus skilfully keep the show moving seamlessly. It is also commendable to see them acknowledged during the bows (more of this!).
Adelaide, make sure you put LIMBO on your Fringe bucket list this year, you do not want to miss this one!
LIMBO: The Return is on now at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, 2025 Adelaide Fringe, and runs until 23 March.
Tickets: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/limbo-the-return-af2025
Website: https://strutnfret.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/limbotheshow/
Photo credit: Damien Bredberg
