Circus Oz

Published Friday 27 August 2004 at 12:15 by Liz Arratoon

Hopes that Circus Oz might have moved on, in the manner of Cirque Eloize, were not realised. This is another of its ensemble-type shows in which everyone, artists and musicians alike, does a bit of everything. Laced with the usual irreverent Aussie humour, it has a raw style that appeals to many. After a super opening with everything aflame, including bike wheels, a hula-hoop and drumsticks, there is a long wait for any more sparks, until Scott Hone’s BMX stunts. His skilful moves are orchestrated by Suzanne Simpson on gypsy violin. It is the evening’s highlight.

Before that there are standard numbers on Chinese poles, sway pole and static trapeze, with a woman on German wheel, a contortionist and some upside down clowning. Worse follows with an audience participation spot bearing a laboured political message.

Squawking comedy cockatoos on flying trapeze open the second half. They do not do much but look quite effective in white and yellow costumes and make a good attempt at giving this act a different twist. Wearing an Afro wig, disco diva Sosina Wogayehu looks great bouncing up to seven balls on a sound-emitting platform but things descend to freak show level when dislocationist Captain Frodo forces his body through two tennis raquets.

This energetic acrobatic troupe is a bit rough round the edges with, in the main, fairly ordinary skills. They make the most of their talents but sadly a bit of sophistication and polish is deemed unnecessary.