Review: DELUX DELUX at Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival

Reviewed by Toby McIntyre

Double Delux, this show certainly lives up to its title!

The first intro from the MC touted Glitz and Glamour in the Hamilton Gardens had a strong vintage feel, circus meets cabaret, all entertainment.

We were introduced to a clever blend of blend of 'the classy and the coarse' which continued throughout the night culminating in a night of raucous laughter and wonder.

The audience was fully engaged as each act was quite a surprise from the previous. Bursts of laughter followed immediately by captivated silence enthralling the audience.

This was certainly physical theatre presented in a way that I'd never experienced before with a superb combination of comedic and acrobatic precision.

This is not a show of subtlety but one of absolute entertainment! The Giant Tongues exploring the crowd, the acoustic ballad about buttholes and wanton sexuality blended with physical feats, perfectly timed clowning and comedic snippets.

The show had strong overtones of burlesque edging on satirical at times, like a decadent slapstick show

One of the highlights amongst highlights was the smooth jazz rendition of 'Ice Ice Baby'.

Strong personalities and characters gave the acts a depth that less able performers wouldn't have been able to. I feel compelled to mention the strong line up of performers and their impressive international bios.

Maestro - Antonio Vargas Montiel from Spain A specialist in hand balance, Chinese pole, high bar, trampoline, Flamenco dance and acrobatics.

Penelope Elena (Austria): Started her training in aerial acrobatics, handstand, balancing, and contortion at age nine. A regular in the famous play 'Jedermann' at the Salzburg Festival.

MC - Scot Nery (US): Renowned juggler, comedian, performance artist and host who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, HBO Comedy Festival and in films. Some of his signature acts involve duct tape, pancakes, knives and buckets.

Laura Michelle Hughes (US): Talented singer who was cast in a leading role in the US national tour of Mamma Mia and a regular at the LA Variety show Scot Nery's Bobbie Trap.

I've only touched the surface with what I've mentioned. You'll see maple syrup used in such a way that you've never seen before, the second half anthropomorphic animals, the amazing acrobatic ring work and the massive finale with inflatable flamingos.

It's all there. Get along and see it.

Delux Delux
Pacific Crystal Palace
Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival
Bookings: hgaf.co.nz

NOTE: Recommended for 18 years and over

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