What I in fact got was something quite different but nevertheless very impressive and quite unique. The experience began before I had even reached my seat with members of the cast warming up the audience of all ages in the queue and then in the hippodrome before the show started. When the show did start to a fantastic opening sequence with almost every piece of the cast’s equipment, hoops, musical instruments etc. in flames, I felt like I was in a pyromaniac’s dream! The show continued on a high with the circus’ obligatory clown and co-founder, Tim Coldwell walking into his dressing room which happened to be on the ceiling. Pouring himself a drink upside down and remarking ‘that went straight to my head’ – the whole audience were laughing apparently enthralled.

Unfortunately, not all the acts drew such a great response from the crowd. Particularly impressive however were the strange and frankly freaky talents of the marvelously double-jointed Captain Frodo who was able to pass his whole body through two wireless tennis rackets. It has to be seen to be believed and his comedy style and seemingly impossible contortions left the audience watching behind both hands dumbfounded and highly amused. I also giggled along to the comedy duo Michael Ling and Matt Wilson especially the act with the scarily wobbly balancing pole which towered over the audience.

I was very impressed with the circus’ take on the traditional ‘strong woman’ act with Melissa Fyfe managing to wow the crowd with her many skills. Not only her strength but also her grace and agility were great to watch when she performed on the trapeze and the German wheels. The pole dancers (not in the sense we’re used to) were also fun as was Sosina Wogayehu's Foxy Brownesqe disco juggling act which improved on her slightly drawn out but nevertheless impressive contortionist act as the ‘popcorn lady.’ These were definitely the highlights of the night and although the rest of the show was entertaining, it lacked both originality and the wow factor of other shows such as cirque de soleil which was reflected in the sometimes subdued level of audience participation. Furthermore, the promise of a social satire was also perhaps a bit too subtle to be worth a mention.

Despite what is definitely an occasional lull, overall the show is great entertainment and is heightened by the fabulous musical talents of all the stars and the wide-ranging talents displayed by all the cast. A great show for the whole family, Circus Oz provides a relatively short and refreshingly different theatre experience.

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