Circus 1903

Circus 1903 is a delightful family-oriented show that astonishes and surprises the audience. The idea of capturing the historical atmosphere of circus performance gives this show a very endearing quality. Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade (David Williamson) takes command of the performance in a very welcoming manner. He introduces the different acts with great fanfare. He especially involves very young audience members and often makes them the star of the show.

Each act is superb in its talent, inventiveness and precision and their presence on stage is always awesome and often breathtaking. One of the major attractions of the show is undoubtedly the elephant puppets Queenie and Peanut designed by Mervyn Millar and Tracy Waller for Significant Object. Puppeteers Mikey Brent, James Donovan Smith, Amelie Leroy, Nyron Levy, Chris Milford and Will Palmer masterfully bring the mother and baby elephants to life. The effect is mesmerizing and renders them lovable and adorable creatures.

The acrobatics are all incredibly exciting and each act has beautiful detail and texture in the costume design (Angela Aaron). This combined with the evocative set recreates the era in a magical fashion. The Flying Fredoni’s (duo trapeze and bungee straps), performed by Yoann Benhamou and Emeline Goavec literally create a mid-air ballet. The moving musical accompaniment (composer and musical director, Evan Jolly) adds to the incredible intensity and grace conveyed in this act.

Circus 1903 transports the audience to a different era and dazzles them with a spectacular array of wonderful performances. 

Patricia Di Risio

Images: Jason Lau and Arts Centre Melbourne