Infamous review: Adults-only circus offers thrills, laughs and eye candy
Peri Strathearn reviews a circus’ infamous visit to Murray Bridge.
The following is the author’s personal opinion.
Not often do Murray Bridge audiences get a chance to see a national touring show in their own backyard, but we did this month – and what a show it was.
Adults-only circus Infamous offers everything you could want in a night out: thrilling feats, comedy and sexiness.
Don’t let the skimpy costumes fool you, though – this circus’ stunt performers pull no punches whatsoever.
After a comical warm-up act, the show plunges straight into something called the wheel of death, which will have your eyebrows and heart rate shooting up as high as the big top.
You will never see such insolence in the face of danger.
I don’t know whether acrobat Jansen Grant feels no fear, or whether he simply disregards it as he flings himself across the arena, but it’s terrifying either way.
From then until the equally impressive trapeze finale, Infamous offers a succession of wonderfully theatrical gags featuring embarrassed audience volunteers, mixed with bedazzled dancers and astounding acts of gymnastic eroticism.
We have to offer a few shout-outs: to plucky juggler Cody Harrington, who had everyone in the audience cheering for him; the incredible strength of pole dancer Mimi Lenore; a surprisingly strong vocal performance from Chantal Ward; and the grace and speed of the Ashton family on the trapeze.
Whatever you're into, you'll find something worth watching in this show. Photos: Infamous the Show.
Throughout it all, Martin Lopez Barralles provides comic relief, playing a sympathetic character whose will-they-or-won’t-they love story with the alluring Dancey Rae will keep you following along right to the end.
About 200 people attended last Friday night’s performance in Murray Bridge, once the summer heat of the previous weekend had died down; with a full house in Adelaide, the show will surely go down even better.
If you’re looking for a fun night out this Adelaide Fringe season, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Infamous will open at Ellis Park, in Adelaide’s western parklands, on February 20 and continue until March 23.
- Tickets: From $65 at adelaidefringe.com.au.
Disclosure: The author and his wife attended as a guest of Infamous the Show. Correction: The names of two performers who filled in during the Murray Bridge run have been corrected.
