Presented by Canberra
Theatre Centre and The Works Entertainment
Canberra Theatre to
21 December
Reviewed by Len Power
11 December 2019
The Canberra Theatre Centre has scored a world premiere for
The Works Entertainment’s new show, ‘Cirque Stratosphere’. Created by Simon Painter and Tim Lawson,
their past work includes the excellent show ‘The Illusionists’, seen at this
time last year here in Canberra. The
Works Entertainment is a wholly owned division of the Cirque du Soleil
Entertainment Group. They have performed
all over the world in more than 400 cities.
In this show a troupe of Olympic standard acrobats and
gymnasts perform breath-taking stunts with high level production values. The expensive-looking space-themed show has
been well designed with colourful futuristic costumes, a spectacular setting
and well-designed lighting and sound.
The main acts were truly impressive. Pole artist, Polina Volchek, showed amazing
strength and flexibility as well as elegance in her performance high above the
stage. Felice Aguilar did a dazzling dance
on a spinning plate that was visually beautiful as well as gymnastically
clever.
 |
| Evgenii Viktorovich & Natalia Viktorovna |
Two Russian gymnasts, Dmitry Makrushin and Oleg Bespalov,
demonstrated exceptional skills requiring power, flexibility and balance and
two roller skaters,
Evgenii Viktorovich and Natalia Viktorovna, performed an
edgy high-speed act that was confined to a raised platform.
 |
| Dmitry Makrushin & Oleg Bespalov |
Two young Asian men, Nicolas-Yang Wang & Shengpeng Nie, appeared
in a crowd-pleasing hoop diving act that was truly exciting to watch. Their lively personalities quickly made them
an audience favourite and their seemingly impossible stunts were quite
extraordinary.
Other acts were just as impressive with performers dangling
and balancing high up on swings, performing with hoops and ropes or tumbling with
a see-saw. Maybe it was world premiere first
night nerves but there were some noticeably unsteady and off-balance moments in
a couple of the acts that were a bit concerning.
In between these main acts, two skilful comedians – one in a
space suit and another with his mouth taped over – presented sequences that required
the participation of selected audience members.
One of these involved the use of tape measures as light sabres and was
quite amusing but others went on far too long and weren’t particularly funny.
It’s the gymnastic acts that are the drawcard for this show
and it certainly delivers on that score.
Its impressive production values will please audiences as well but be prepared
for ear-splitting sound levels throughout the show. If you’re looking for an exciting family show
in the lead up to Christmas, this one will be sure to entertain everyone.
Photos by Mark Turner
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on the Artsound FM 92.7 ‘In the Foyer’ program on Mondays
and Wednesdays at 3.30pm.