Circus Oz

Published Thursday 4 August 2005 at 13:35 by Liz Arratoon

Following a three-week run here last year, Circus Oz is back with the same show slightly tweaked, which means a lot of people must like this brash brand of circus and do not object to being harangued by strident Aussie voices.

The best bits from last time are still the best bits this time. Namely Sosina Wogayehu as a disco queen bouncing up to seven balls on a sound board and Scott Hone’s skilful BMX stunts, performed to a gypsy violin played by Suzanne Simpson. Add to these Michael Ling’s daredevil antics on sway pole, which give the evening its only real thrill.

The striking opening with virtually everything onstage - from bike wheels to drumsticks - aflame, is thankfully intact but some of the comedy such as the ninja routine and the hula hoop work-out class is excruciatingly laboured.

Strongwoman Mellissa Fyfe carries much of the load. Her stints include German wheel, static trapeze and the entertaining comedy flying trapeze number, where everyone is dressed as squawking cockatoos.

Circus Oz founding member Tim Coldwell again catches the imagination of the crowd with his inverted clowning and, as ever, the freakishly double-jointed Captain Frodo causes a sensation by forcing his body through two tennis racket heads, but his spot is interminable.

Circus Oz has found a level that remains a disappointment to me. It has some talented artists but the presentation, it seems, will always lack finesse. Though wildly popular with many, its appeal passes me by.