The Adelaide Fringe is overwhelmingly spoilt for choice for shows in the circus cabaret genre. However, I am here to make your next show choice easy, because Primal is an exclusive feast of circus unlike the others!
From the creators of Rouge and Shake It, Highwire Entertainment is treating the Fringe to the newest show in their repertoire. Primal is an exhilarating circus cabaret that taps into the untamed energy of the animal kingdom through a visceral exploration of human instincts. Seamlessly blending cabaret and acrobatics, the cast explores themes of sexuality, identity, and desire.
Opening the show is the incredible performer known as Leather Lungs. And they are Leather Lungs indeed! He comes close to bursting wine glasses with his unbelievable voice. From here, the performers are unleashed, animalistic in their behaviour and oozing tension as they eye each other on stage.
The most notably unique trait about Primal is how prominent the powerful feminine energy remains throughout, with the ladies leading most of the acts. The two main acrobats, Emily Loe and Kat O’Keeffe are the strong bases for many of the stunts, flipping the stereotypical masculine role.
Their feats are honestly unbelievable in that the cast pushes the boundaries of floor stunts with a fresh approach to circus, more fitting for current audiences. In line with the show’s theme of humankind’s primal instincts, the act of climbing, flipping and stacking each other to incredible heights is a creative way for the cast to explore human instinct.
The performers display incredible feats of strength and balance, each boasting unique talents. The phenomenal trio, comprising of Loe alongside husband and wife duo Kat and Paul O’Keeffe, push the boundaries of human ability in the most impressive game of ‘the floor is lava.’ They left no bodily surface untouched, with Paul bringing a sense of cheekiness as he clambered on and over the others with ease.
Each performer has their solo moment to shine, much to the audience’s delight. Loe is an absolute pocket rocket of strength and power, wowing the audience with her swift juggling skills, dancing, acrobatics, and general stage presence.
Soaring sensually in the skies, and definitely a crowd favourite, is Tro Griffiths, who features in the impressive silks trio. Most raunchy, though, is his part contortion, part seductive dance solo, true to the burlesque art form.
Kat O’Keeffe is the epitome of strength and control. Her performance in Primal serves to redefine the audience’s perceptions of female limits, no doubt inspiring a new generation of young circus performers. Her work needs to be seen to be believed!
Exploring the daring and dangerous traits of the animal kingdom is Siân Brigid, who is a familiar Adelaide Fringe performer. Brigid combines the fierceness and artistry of fire eating in an epic exploration of command and control. Then, to a mix of audience shock and delight, she cements her celebrity status by swallowing not one, but three swords!
Primal is a multi-art form performance that leaves little time for the audience to recover between acts. The show moves at a wicked pace, making an hour fly by, leaving you panting for more!
Primal runs until 23 March at The Octagon at Gluttony, Rymill Park as part of Adelaide Fringe.
Tickets: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/primal-af2025
Website: https://www.highwire.com.au/shows-for-adults/primal
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/primaltheshow/
Photo credits: Late Cut Media
Check out Primal’s Spotify playlist.
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