‘Cirque Bon Bon’ // Jacs Entertainment and Woodward Productions
‘Cirque Bon Bon’ was exhilarating!
There’s nothing better than to finish these winter school holidays off with watching an all star cast of contortionists, acrobats and dancing extraordinaires hit the stage at the Athenaeum Theatre.
‘Cirque Bon Bon’ has arrived for a short season in Melbourne after a sold out festival in Brisbane. In descriptions of the show it is stated that they are set to transform the theatre space into a cauldron of excitement, drama and hilarity. After having the privilege of watching the performance this evening it is clearly confirmed that they execute this jaw dropping extravaganza brilliantly with lights, energy and with fabulous comedic timing.
The cirque troop includes the comedic antics of Mario – Queen of the Circus in Clarke McFarlane, contortionist and foot archery artist Shannen Michaela, cyr wheel artist Alexandre Lane, aerial hoop contortion and hula hoop artist Ashleigh Roper, hand to hand skating duo Emma Goh and Scott Lazaravech, juggler Cody Harrington, aerial straps and mouth hanging artist Liam Dummer, and skilled technical dancers Jayden Grogan, Holly Soper, Hunter-Jai Clist and Tiara Locke.
Stepping into the space at the Athenaeum Theatre the crowd enter with energy and chatters of excitement. There’s lots of expectation with smiles and full drinks in hand, facing forward towards the pink and blue rotating spotlights and the upbeat carnival music. Gathered here together on a cold winter’s evening in hope to be entertained, the lights dim and there’s a big cheer. We see flashes of sequins as the ‘Cirque Bon Bon’ dancers bring out a blast of laughter when our host Mario hits the stage.
Warming up the crowd with giggles and juggling, Clarke McFarlane displays such skill in his ability to engage all. We then meet Alexandre Lane who entrances us with mesmerizing skill on the Lira. The dynamic acrobatic pair Emma Goh and Scott Lazaravech display great strength and agility in
their routine that has the crowd gasping, then the talented Cody Harrington enters the spotlight with phenomenal juggling whilst bouncing a ball on his head and displaying swish moves across the stage. He’s got amazing showmanship, as does Shannen Michaela who perhaps creates the most memorable moment with her contortion and archery footwork! There’s tap dancing, contemporary flow, great fun on a unicycle and then Ashleigh Roper stuns all with her brilliance in using hula hoops. Liam Dummer appears to fly through the air using the straps with all parts of his body, and then there’s a banana duel, fabulous usage of lighting, a whole audience sing-a-long and a skating finale that is a surprise you will want to see over and over again!
The costumes are bright and colourful, fitting and allow each member of the troupe to shine. The music drives along to your heart beat as you feel the base under your seat and watch all the tricks in awe.
Director Ash Jacks (McCready) and choreographer Julieann Nugent have put together a dynamite production in ‘Cirque Bon Bon’ that contains electrifying acts and such fun with the audience who applauds loudly for every moment.
Don’t miss the excitement that is enjoyable for the whole family, particularly those who end up on stage.
You will walk out energised, inspired and with the greatest of smiles.
‘Cirque Bon Bon’ performs 11th – 13th July at The Athenaeum Theatre. For more information visit their website.
