St Kilda Royale

Conceived in the spiegeltent of the Edinburg Fringe Festival, Melbourne’s own jazz, swing and boogie band The Shuffle Club have been playing for live circus acts for a few years now. For the first time, they’ve brought the concept to Australia. While watching circus acts perform to recorded music, the band came up with the idea of accompanying them live. And what an electric combination it makes!

The Shuffle Club pumps out an array of familiar tunes, one of your favourites is bound to be amongst them. It’s a different experience for the band, says drummer and vocalist Rod Gilbert, because instead of improvising as they like, they have to be consistent to support the performers.

To put together this show, they allowed the circus artists to choose from their repertoire of songs. What they’ve produced is an array of sleek acts, with the music and movement enhancing each other in an exhilarating explosion of talent!

The show features everything from acrobatics to fire breathing. The drums and juggling combination with internationally acclaimed juggler Joe Fisher was toe-tappingly clever. Anna Fisher can spin hula hoops faster than anyone I’ve ever seen, all while balancing another one on her head!

Memo Music Hall is the ideal venue for a show like this. opened in 1924, the moody and intimate setting added to the atmosphere. With a well-stocked bar and easy access to public transport, it makes for a great night out.

St Kilda Royale is the most entertaining show I’ve seen all year. It certainly fulfils the band’s promise to take you to your “happy place”, not to be missed!

Sophia Dickinson