Circus Oz: Cranked Up.

Circus Oz: Cranked Up.
Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, Sydney. January 1 - 27, 2014.

Circus Oz works a treat when it combines Aussie humour with simple but elegant tricks of the trade. It can’t compete with the international circus juggernauts on scale and wizardry – instead its laid back style and more intimate big top allows the audience to get up close and personal.

The most memorable act was a gorgeous Kangaroo impersonation by “Murri Fella” Mark Sheppard. He somersaulted and bounced around the stage in an exuberant cartoon style. This personified the spirit of Circus Oz and is no doubt very popular when it tours overseas.

Another stand-out was acrobat Mason West, who opened the show on a six metre sway pole. As it tilted and bent like the wind I was reminded of the famous cartoon of two men hanging off the edge of a skyscraper. This was just an entrée to his second act highlight called Rola Bola. The balancing act - on top of five cylinders – is complicated by him being twisted inside hoops.

Cranked Up has been touring Australia for a few years now and will soon head off to the United States for a lap of honour.

It’s set on construction site - allowing for pulsing rock music, a spectacular drum sequence and trapeze artists to swing from metal girders.

Momentum on opening night was disrupted by on stage speeches that are normally reserved for the after show party. 

It was nice to hear from the Governor-General, and yes it was nice for the Chairman to thank all the sponsors and nice also for the Managing Director to welcome the entire company on stage, many of whom who work behind the scenes. But coming after a very nice – but very long - welcome to country it felt a little like a speech night.

But fret not – those speeches were only a special treat for the opening night VIPs.

Roll up with your children for a rollicking good time.

David Spicer

Images: Hazel Bock, Carl Polke, Ania Reynolds, Jez Davies and Stevee Mills & Mason West in foreground. Photographer: Rob Blackburn.

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.