Circus 1903

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https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2024/circus-and-magic/circus-1903

04/01/2024 until 14/01/2024

Imagine stepping back in time to the enchanting world of Circus 1903. This extraordinary show captures the essence of a bygone era, transporting both young and old to a magical place where the artistry of the circus reigns supreme. With breathtaking acts and captivating performances, Circus 1903 not only entertains but also sparks a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of a time when the circus was a grand spectacle.

Circus 1903 originated from a collaboration between two talented individuals: Simon Painter and Tim Lawson who drew inspiration from the golden age of the circus in the early 1900s. With their passion for live entertainment and their dedication to capturing the essence of a classic circus, they brought this spectacular show to life whilst transporting us back in time to experience the magic and wonder of the past.

The costumes in Circus 1903 are meticulously designed to capture the essence of the early 1900s. The performers are adorned in vibrant and elaborate costumes that reflect the style and glamour of that era. From the sequins and feathers to the intricate details and period-inspired designs, each costume adds to the overall enchanting atmosphere of the show. The attention to detail in the costumes truly enhances the visual spectacle where the audience steps into a time capsule of circus fashion from 1903!

The stage is decorated with vintage-inspired props like an antique circus wagon, old-fashioned signage, and even an Annex tent, or a separate area where you could experience even more unique acts like “The Bearded Lady” (on this occasion, "The Bearded Lady" was a male audience member with a beard who was spotlighted, in jest). The vibrant colours, bright big lights, and other details of the stage design resembled a traditional circus ring, adding an authentic touch and creating a visually stunning and immersive environment that truly captures the spirit of the early 1900s circus.

Willy Whipsnade, the ringmaster, is a captivating character brought to life by the talented American performer David Williamson. As the ringmaster, Willy Whipsnade is the charismatic and commanding figure who guides the audience through the mesmerizing world of the circus. With his booming voice, larger-than-life personality, and impeccable showmanship, Willy Whipsnade sets the stage for an incredible spectacle. He is a master at engaging with the youngest members of the audience while also creating hilarious fun for the adults. He has a special way of connecting with the kids, making them feel included and part of the show. He brings them up on stage for interactive moments that are not only adorable but also filled with clever tricks and jokes. Willy's witty banter and playful interactions with the children create moments of pure joy and laughter for everyone in the audience. It's a delightful balance of cute and funny that brings belly laughs and puts smiles on everyone's faces. Willy Whipsnade knows how to entertain both the young and the young at heart.

Whilst the circus originated in Australia, it is a global affair when it comes to acts. The team gathered performers from all around the world to create a truly diverse and captivating show. You'll see incredible talents from countries like France, the UK, the US, Ethiopia, Sweden, Germany, Bulgaria, and Spain. This mix of international performers brings a unique flavour to Circus 1903, setting it apart from other circuses.

For example, Mekdes Kebede, the contortionist bends and twists her body in unimaginable ways. But what makes Mekdes stand out even more is her Ethiopian heritage, bringing a beautiful cultural element to her performance.

However, it is more than just the cultural milieu, it is also the incredible skills and discoveries of the performance that set them apart from others in the same space. For example, Elena Suarez Pariente’s discovery of how to incorporate her hair makes for a mind-blowing act where she suspends herself in the air using only her hair! It's called hair hanging, and it requires immense strength, flexibility, and control. Elena's hair is securely attached to a rig, and she skillfully maneuvers her body, creating stunning shapes and movements while defying gravity. Her unique hair performance adds a whole new level of artistry and awe to the circus world.

Similarly, The Flying Fredoni’s is not your standard aerial performance. So, this talented duo is Yoann Benhamou and Emelie Goavec, who are remarkable performers. Yoann brings his expertise in acrobatics and aerial skills to the act, showcasing incredible strength and precision in his movements. His athleticism and daring stunts are breathtaking. Emelie, on the other hand, is a trained ballet dancer, bringing elegance, and grace. Her fluidity and artistry in the air add a beautiful dimension to their act. Together, their chemistry and skill make The Flying Fredonis a showstopper in Circus 1903.

Each performer, each act in Circus 1903 brings their unique skills and talents to the table, making them one of a kind in their special ways. It's the combination of their cultural backgrounds, personal discoveries, and the way they harness their skills that make them truly exceptional and different from others doing similar acts.

Then, there are the much-talked-about, incredible elephant puppets in Circus 1903. Queenie and her baby Peanut are these magnificent life-size puppets that are designed and made by the talented folks at the Significant Object Company in the UK. The magic of puppetry truly comes alive on stage, made from lightweight materials like aluminum, wood, and plastic components, giving them the perfect balance of weight and texture. The puppeteers expertly manipulate the puppets, creating the illusion of real elephants.  It's truly remarkable how these puppets uphold the shape and look of real elephants, bringing a sense of wonder and amazement to the audience. Having these puppets as part of Circus 1903 is indeed unique and adds an extraordinary touch to the show.

Circus 1903 is not your typical circus—it's a breathtaking and enchanting experience. From the magnificent elephant puppets to the dynamic aerial ballet of The Flying Fredonis, every moment is filled with wonder and excitement. The incredible talent of the performers, the stunning set design, and the seamless fusion of classic circus acts with modern storytelling make Circus 1903 quite unique. Whether you're a fan of acrobatics, or puppetry, or simply love being transported to a magical world – this performance is worth a visit. 

Reviewed by Irena Begelor