No Fringe Festival is complete without seeing La Clique. As they return for their 20th summer, expect sold out shows and wide eyes. This cabaret variety style circus is unique in all the right ways, showcasing talent from around the world.
A looming bath filled with water, accompanied by straps from the ceiling, leave the audience in suspense, until finally impressive acrobatic stylings have audience members audibly gasping in fear she slips. A heart palpitating opener, is followed by light-hearted tap dancing all around the audience.
Then comes the queen of the Coney Island Sideshow, Heather Holliday as she terrifyingly swallows swords of all shapes and sizes. Enter Florian Brooks, the gentleman of juggling, it is clear he is in complete control of the objects he comes into contact with and that he controls them, not the other way around.
The shear physicality of David Pereira, is unlike something most audiences will have seen before, spiralling around on silk ropes. The crowd pleaser Tara Boom, doddles to stage with clown makeup and a popcorn machine on her head, leading to a slapstick performance that will leave the stage slippery.
The closing act is lead by the stylish LJ Marles on tension straps, that are a lot more rigid than the commonly seen aerial straps. With cast members returning for second acts throughout the show, as well as a shocking balancing act, be sure to pick your jaw up off the floor after this show.
La Clique, Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows – The Beauty, Aug 8-9, 11, 13-18, 20-24.
