La Ronde – Up Close and Spectacular!
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Date Reviewed: 27/10/2026
Reviewed by Irena Begelfor
I have seen some remarkable circus performances over the years, but I don't think I have ever been quite so close to the action. At one point during La Ronde, a performer was swinging through the air barely two metres from my face, and I wondered whether I should lean back or simply enjoy the view.
I chose the latter. And what a view it was!
Tuesday's opening night began at 6pm, and arriving early was worthwhile because at Spiegel Haus, the entertainment starts well before the show.
Perched above a Lonsdale Street car park, this unusual venue is a fascinating arrangement of exposed structures, walkways, stairs and outdoor spaces. Even the guests were entertaining, dressed in their own distinctive styles, with plenty of red, gold and adventurous fashion choices.
Eventually, we entered the intimate, mirrored Spiegeltent, where we secured front-row seats. An excellent decision, although perhaps a little risky given the audience participation that followed!
La Ronde, from Strut & Fret, brings together circus, cabaret, comedy, glamour and some astonishing physical talent.
Swedish performer David Eriksson was wonderfully bizarre. Grungy, edgy and gloriously eccentric, he turned familiar tricks into something completely unexpected. In one act, he balanced a wine glass on top of an inflated balloon resting on a wooden board. He then popped the balloon with a dart and, in one swift movement, somehow caught the falling glass on the board without dropping it. Another act saw an audience member invited to throw apples at his spiked helmet and equally alarming crotch protection. Ridiculous, risqué and hilarious!
Then there was Diana Bondarenko, the Ukrainian-born aerialist whose beauty and striking physique made her appear almost otherworldly. Suspended on a pyramid trapeze, her elegance, strength and exquisite costumes were mesmerising.
Sergiy Mishchurenko, also Ukrainian, was sensational on the swinging pole. What made his act particularly thrilling was the proximity. He flew towards the audience, occasionally fixing his gaze on someone with such deliberate flirtation that I watched women, and men, practically melt.
Australian performer Adam Malone reminded me that I have no business complaining about uncomfortable shoes. I'm becoming accustomed to seeing men in heels, but Adam performs handstands, acrobatics and all manner of daring manoeuvres in footwear higher than I would attempt to walk in!
Danik Abishev was another impressive physical specimen. Muscles everywhere, and he needed every one of them! His hand-balancing routine involved moving between elevated supports and manoeuvring around a ladder at frightening heights.
Then he climbed a ladder that was on fire.
I closed my eyes. Naturally, curiosity got the better of me, so I peeked. He was still there, apparently quite comfortable. I certainly wasn't. Thankfully, he survived, and I could breathe again!
Zoe Kelly brought sensuality and grace through her pole work, while Cuban-Spanish performer Dorival Junco radiated charisma and infectious energy. Having seen productions such as Kinky Boots, The Lion King and Priscilla, all part of Dorival's impressive career, I couldn't help thinking how fortunate we were to have artists of this calibre just metres away.
And that, for me, is what makes La Ronde so special.
In a large theatre, these feats can appear almost effortless. Here, you see the muscles working, the concentration and the tiny adjustments that prevent a fall. You begin to appreciate the strength, courage and precision involved.
The international cast is superb, the humour cheeky, the atmosphere relaxed, and the setting makes everything feel personal.
I arrived expecting an entertaining evening of circus and cabaret. I left having laughed, gasped, admired some beautiful bodies and closed my eyes at least once in genuine fear.
If you go, try to sit near the front. Just don't look too eager when the performers start searching for volunteers! I was very happy to remain a spectator.
La Ronde is presented by Strut & Fret at Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale Street. Adults only.