‘Limbo – The Return’ // Strut & Fret

‘Limbo – The Return’ was electric.

Get ready to descend into a fiery underworld where the lines between heaven and hell blur, as Strut & Fret’s powerful production ‘Limbo’ makes its spectacular return.

Hosted in the sultry, brand-new West End Electric, this tantalising production is a heady mix of circus, cabaret, and other-worldly music. From heart-stopping acrobatics to seductive sideshow acts, ‘Limbo – The Return’ is a thrilling escape from the everyday that showcases the many extremes of what the human body is capable of.

Originally debuting as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2013, ‘Limbo’ has captivated audiences around the globe, in London and New York, and now, the production has returned home, more daring and electrifying than ever before. Making its grand comeback at Brisbane’s newest venue, West End Electric, the show perfectly complements the space’s old-school carnie charm and vintage feel. The 400-seat venue is the perfect playground, making ‘Limbo – The Return’ feel intimate and completely unique to other entertainment offerings out there. The circular stage, bordered by a retro-inspired marquee, creates a cabaret nightclub, where every seat feels like the best in the house.

In fact, ‘Limbo – The Return’ at West End Electric is Brisbane’s own answer to Las Vegas sensations like ‘Atomic’ and ‘Rouge’. With jaw-dropping performances, infectious energy, and a blend of circus, and cabaret, the show amazes audiences from start to finish — every moment was a guaranteed “wow” experience.

Conceived and directed by Scott Maidment, ‘Limbo – The Return’ is a non-stop spectacle, with one act flowing seamlessly into the next and each offering a new thrill — from tightrope walking to aerial rope, beatboxing, and live music mixing. The show moves cleverly around the space, with the next act setting up unnoticed while the current one dazzles. Performers even soar overhead, making the audience feel as though they’re part of the exhilarating chaos.

Thematically, ‘Limbo – The Return’ takes audiences on a journey through the fiery pits of hell and up to the ethereal heights of heaven. The intense fire-breathing acts transport viewers straight into the underworld, only to then ascend with the heavenly sway pole, where feathers literally fall from the sky. Costume Realisation by Lucy Scott mirrors this duality, with performers starting in bold blacks and ending in pristine white. Lighting design by Philip Gladwell also masterfully plays into the theme, shifting between scorching hot tones for the upbeat, hellish sequences and cool, serene hues for the more angelic softer moments.

The music in ‘Limbo – The Return’ truly elevates the entire production, with each composition perfectly tailored to enhance the energy and emotion of every act. It’s the backbone of the show, underscoring moments and keeping the atmosphere cohesive while building the momentum to unforgettable peaks. Sound Artist and Composer Sxip Shirey’s innovative and exciting musical creations are nothing short of genius. Drummer Mick Stuart, alongside multi-instrumentalist Grant Arthur, also play pivotal roles in shaping the sound. The use of unique technologies and instruments including a Minimoog, Polymba (created by Stuart himself), Sousaphone and even Marble in a Glass Bowl, add layers of texture and intrigue to the score. Together with vocalist, Clara Fable, the four band members could easily represent Australia as our next Eurovision act and win that competition as they’re utterly unique.

The cast worked as an ensemble, creating a well-balanced show of varying scales, from jaw-dropping stunts to captivating artistry. The shock factor was undeniable, with moments like firebreather Clara Fable literally setting herself ablaze, Ben Loader’s heart-stopping aerial drops and David Marco Pintado performing a sitting chair stunt on a tightrope. These daring feats were seamlessly balanced by more breathtaking moments, such as Pintado, Loader, and Maria Moncheva’s elegant sway pole performances, and Sxip Shirey’s unforgettable vocals rebounded and bounced around the venue. Hilton Denis’ energetic tap dancing and the seductive burlesque routines by Moncheva and Fable added lighter, yet equally engaging entertainment. The blend of danger, grace, and playfulness made for a perfectly calibrated experience.

‘Limbo – The Return’ is undoubtedly the pick of Brisbane Festival this year, delivering the kind of bold, thrilling entertainment our city craves. As Brisbane gears up to take to the world stage in 2032, productions like this are exactly what we need to keep our cultural offerings vibrant and world-class. Don’t leave this show in limbo — do yourself a favour and book a ticket. Remember, every seat in the house is a great one!

‘Limbo – The Return’ performs at The West End Electric as part of Brisbane Festival until Saturday, 21 September 2024. For tickets and more information, visit Brisbane Festival’s website.

Photography By B’rit Creative.