Sydney Review- Cirque Nouvelle: non-stop jaw-dropping performances

By Paul Kiely

Cirque Nouvelle

Directed by James Capener

A Cameo Rascale Entertainment Production

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre et al

Penrith

Season: Touring Regional NSW and Victoria

Bookings: http://www.cameorascale.com

Duration: 75 minutes approx (No interval)

Anyone thinking that there is no place for circuses anymore…think again!

The era of caged animals and cruel tricks is long behind us, yet the thrill, glamour, colour and daring spirit of the ‘big top’ lives on through Cirque Nouvelle — a dazzling, family-friendly reimagining of circus tradition.

Artistic Director James Capenar has assembled a troupe of eight outstanding performers, bringing delight to youngsters, parents and grandparents alike.

This circus company has been travelling to venues in eastern Australia at a frenetic pace. Modest in scale but big in entertainment, Cirque Nouvelle is delivering the new-age circus experience to wide-eyed, happy and smiling audiences everywhere.

Our experience at The Joan in Penrith was wonderful. The amphitheatre setting gave patrons a perfect view from every seat. The sound of children’s laughter and applause was constant.

Cirque Nouvelle is more than entertainment; it is an education. The show pays homage to the circuses of old through its Ringmaster, Edwardo, a charming relic of the analogue age. With his trusty portable stereo, Edwardo tries to maintain control, only to be humorously undermined by Siri, the ever-smug digital assistant. Her cheeky nickname for him — “Edweirdo” — sends the little ones into fits of giggles.

Edwardo, with his distinctive French-accent, starts the show with a tribute song from ‘Cabaret.’ Accompanied by ‘Can-Can’ girls, his rendition provides a classy opener.

For the next seventy minutes, there are non-stop jaw-dropping performances and laughter. The theatre is alive with music, effects and colourful lighting. There are human feats of wonder and awe. Costumes are tight and allow the performers to demonstrate their amazing strength, flexibility and skill.

Throughout the show, Edwardo introduces the various acts with poise and professionalism. However, his antics are always comical and never detract from the individual feats of each performer.

There are jugglers and acrobats who balance chairs placed on cylinders. Carla the lioness provides a link to the genre’s animal past; Pole dancers and silk climbers display their dexterity; a muscleman provides a mesmerising display using a giant-size hool-a-hoop. Other astonishing acts include knife-juggling whilst on a seven-foot unicycle and flame swallowing.

Of course, my words cannot give justice to the overall theatrical atmosphere which taunted every sense.

The most rewarding sound was the children’s laughter and look of bewilderment on their faces.

Interestingly, Cirque Nouvelle omits the usual “Children, do not try this at home” warning. Instead, it encourages curiosity and imagination, inspiring young minds to dream beyond limits while celebrating the virtues of discipline, practice, and physical fitness.

Cirque Nouvelle achieved what performers hope for: an exciting and captivating experience for the young and young-at-heart.