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| Scott Hone from "Scott's BMX Trick Bike Show" |
Directed by
Tom Davis for Warehouse Circus.
Lions Youth
Haven. Kambah. 19th - 23rd April.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens.
Not even a
drenching on arrival by a heavy downpour of rain, or a series of rather long, apparently
obligatory welcoming speeches could dampen the enthusiasm of the capacity crowd
which packed the May Wirth Big Top for the first event of the inaugural Canberra
Circus Festival.
Included in
the program were acts performed by skilled professionals, some with
International reputations, who had actually commenced their circus careers with
Warehouse Circus. Other acts were by
Warehouse Circus alumni and others from around the country on the cusp of
circus careers attracted to the Canberra Circus Festival to attend the associated
workshops given by these established professionals.
The program
commenced appropriately with an overture conducted by an immaculately costumed maestro,
(Pablo Latona from “The Ridiculous Show”) who, nonplussed by the absence of a
live orchestra, wordlessly separated the compliant audience into clappers and
shouters to create a symphony of eager applauders.
Taking
advantage of the applause jovial Ringmaster, Rogan Josh (alias Josh Phillips an
accomplished acrobat, particularly skilled on the perpendicular ladder), took
the stage to introduce a tantalising selection of highlights from the busy
program of circus shows being presented in the Big Top throughout the festival.
Among these
acts young performers, Issi and Gerard, performed a graceful tissu aerial act,
Sam showed off his tumbling and stick- juggling skills, a trio of unicyclists
impressed with their tricky manoeuvres, a remarkably slim and engaging young
acrobat dazzled with his dexterity balancing on dining chairs, and a skilful juggler
introduced as Inspector Bounce intrigued with her ability to keep lots of
tennis balls in the air at once.
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| Caz Walsh from "Suitcase Circus". |
Caz Walsh
from “Suitcase Circus” performed a heart-stopping act in which she tottered
precariously on four trays of delicate wine glasses while balancing on two
large rollers. Luth Woolffe from Solid
State Circus had the place in an uproar as she dashed crazily between spinning
dinner plates while delivering an engaging message about balanced diets. Finally
the show reached its thrilling finale, an entertaining demonstration by Scott
Hone of just some of his incredible BMX Bike skills.
Full details
of all the shows and workshops available during the Canberra Circus Festival
can be found at www.canberracircusfestival.com.au.
