Review: CIRCUS OZ: BUT WAIT… THERE'S MORE Delights Parramatta Audiences With Its Energetic And Engaging Old World Styled Circus

Thursday 1 October 2015, 7pm, Riverside Theatres Parramatta

CIRCUS OZ: BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE proves that the classic circus of yesteryear is still alive and fabulous as it delights and astounds audiences of all ages. CIRCUS OZ's national tour has thankfully included Riverside Theatre's school holiday Spot On Children's Festival to bring the magic of the circus to a new generation and delight adults with its pure skills and charisma.

Riverside Theatre's main stage is transformed with a large inflated 'ruins' of an ancient 'stone' arch like something out of the roman amphitheaters. As the audience settle into the auditorium, they are greeted by the performers as they climb over seats, banter with each other, strike up conversations with patrons and even insert themselves into photos. This relaxed welcome is refreshing when compared to the staid welcomes of the flashier big budget circus spectaculars. This interaction gets immediate by-in from the audience as the performers allow themselves to be seen as real people and once you've met someone personally, you then start looking for them in ensemble numbers and have a more personal experience than just coming to watch a show.

Before the performance even starts, the performers look like something drawn from old style circus with an amalgam of clothes, reworked and adorned to create interesting and individual characters. For a limited number of acts, the troupe will be dressed alike, but for the most part, each retains their own unique persona. There is a visual feast of patterns, colors, textures and styles. Whilst some modern circuses are heavily influenced by burlesque, CIRCUS OZ has more traditional images ensuring the entire show is appropriate for all ages.

This is a high energy show that blends traditional crowd favorite numbers with a modern twist and subtle commentary on modern society and issues. There are moments that take your breath away and moments that incite roars of laughter. It is interesting to note that the troupe pay their respects to the traditional owners of the land in a unique and heartfelt manner that flows as part of the performance. The transitions are smooth and little interludes of their version of the clown comedy relief beautifully builds throughout the show and provides the connection to the show's title, a commentary on modern consumerism. The ringmaster and the bumbling 'apprentice' are the only characters we really get to know as these moments build from brief glimpses with the ringmaster's mutterings, to the final conclusion of the story. Musical numbers, including a delightful opportunity for participation from the younger audience, move focus from equipment changes ensuring the pace and interest is maintained throughout.

The use of live, original music and vocals is refreshing and it is amazing to see how multi-talented the troupe is with many filling out the band with an instrument when they are not performing. Instead of having performers dedicated to one skill set all members are multi skilled as demonstrated by the group numbers. Whilst there is an incredible precision and concentration required, the performers look like they are genuinely enjoying themselves. The flying trapeze ensemble number is a perfect example of the impression that this is more than just a job for this troupe but that they are doing something they love as a tight knit group.

CIRCUS OZ: BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE is a wonderful performance for young and old. It has a heart and soul unrivalled by the big bright flashy modern troupes. It has a message blended in with the fantastic assortment of skills, inkeeping with the old world circus and cabaret styles that entertained and challenged at the same time. Whilst the run in Parramatta is short, they are touring so get along to the next town if you can't make it to these performances.

CIRCUS OZ: BUT WAIT... THERE'S MORE

Riverside Theatre, Parramatta NSW

1 - 3 October 2015

Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Bathurst NSW

7 October

Orange Civic Theatre, Orange NSW

10 October

Dubbo Civic Theatre, Dubbo NSW

14 October

Tamworth Regional Entertainment Conference Centre, Tamworth NSW

17 October

Glass House, Port Macquarie NSW

23 - 24 October

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