Review: ELIXIR: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2018 at Octagon At Gluttony

Reviewed by Ewart Shaw, Wednesday 28th February 2018.

Contemporary circus has sent the clowns home and let the wild animals run free. Now, it's death-defying acrobatics, showcasing the human body at its peak of perfection, often almost naked, accompanied by flashing lights and resounding backing tracks. Elderly persons with mobility problems really enjoy watching it, seeing the possibilities of movement, balance and energy played out onstage, that they could never have contemplated in their younger days. Gorgeous bodies are not enough. Each company needs to develop a presentation style to wrap around the action, differentiating one show from any other.

Head First Acrobats, a Melbourne based company, have brought Elixir to the Octagon, Gluttony.

There are zombies on the lurch and, in a lab, three scientists are blending potions and, with scant regard for best practice, are testing them on themselves. Test tubes and hazmat suits aside, this show is glorious. The trio of performers are sexy enough to make your heart medication earn its keep. The stunts are first class and their rapport with each other and the audience is spot on. I can't imagine anything surpassing this in new circus terms. In the air, on the ground, on top of each other, they are enthralling.

Thinking back to the performance for a highlight is enough to induce palpitations. The show is, by the way, very funny, as well as being acrobatically impressive. They have a children's show 'Arrr We There Yet', with a nautical theme, and probably lots of rigging climbing, that would be just as entertaining. Did I mention they are sexy as all get-out?

They aim at a female audience. There's a line in their publicity suggesting you leave your man at home when you come to see them. If I had a man at home, I'd take him. This is what the body can do. Take note. Go the gym.