Limbo Unhinged

Grown-up circus makes a sexy return to the heart of Sydney in Limbo Unhinged, as cabaret styled circus again leads off proceedings at the Opera House Studio for the year.

This year’s offering is tantalisingly sensual, in contrast to the more overtly sexual offerings of recent years, eschewing nudity and potty-mouthed comic hosts for the non-stop circus talent of this splendid muilti-skilled international troupe, with the mostly physical comedy embedded in the acts.

Limbo Unhinged blends circus, cabaret, dance, burlesque and theatre deliciously.

No rings to this circus, but a catwalk stage designed for maximum audience intimacy, from which the show can explode upwards or outwards.

Amongst the tight, versatile troupe of entertainers, American performer Heather Holliday is the standout for mine. At first you might simply take her for the burlesque warrior goddess of this steam punk circus tribe; an exotic beauty, she entranced me with her mix of sword and light sabre swallowing (up to six swords), fire-eating and breathing, not to mention archery, sway pole and bass guitar.

The evening’s numerous other thrills and delights include striking hand-to-hand duo Nicolas Jelmoni and Charlotte O’Sullivan,while Hilton Denis (So You Think You Can Dance Australia) chimes in with some super tap dancing.

Closest we get to clowns and spoken comedy is a bit of banter leading into a terrific Chinese Poles routine.

Thrillingly synchronised Sway Poles hurtle three performers within touching distance of the audience, and each other with split second precision, as the finale approaches.

The eclectic rock soundtrack is composed and performed by Sxip Shirey, aided and abetted by multi-instrumental musician Mick Stuart and various cast members. Sxip clearly relishes being injected into the action.

Smoke and mirrors, and lighting, enhance the illusion and ambience.

Think you’ve outgrown circus? Then take your inner child along to Limbo Unhinged. You’ll both have a great night.

Neil Litchfield

Photographer: Prudence Upton