Campfire

Set deep in an imagined wilderness where shadows flicker and the unknown lurk just beyond the firelight, Campfire at the Adelaide Fringe Festival delivers a delightfully spooky circus adventure that blends physical theatre, aerial work, acrobatics and slapstick comedy into a fast-paced and entertaining hour.

The premise is simple yet effective. Two hapless campers venture into the bush only to find themselves stalked by a peculiar and creepy spirit that seems determined to disrupt their trip. This show leans gleefully into an odd combination of horror tropes and absurd comedy as the narrative unfolds through movement rather than dialogue. The performers using circus skills and expressive physical storytelling to chart their increasingly bizarre misadventures in the wilderness.

From the outset, the production establishes an atmospheric tone. The opening aerial sequence is a standout moment; a beautifully choreographed routine performed in perfect synchronicity to a haunting, cinematic soundscape. The eerie audio design creates a sense of suspense that contrasts effectively with the comedic physicality that is to follow. This was a compelling introduction that showcased both the performers’ technical precision and the show’s ability to create a symbiotic flow between the tension and humour.

As the story progresses, the performers shift seamlessly between disciplines combining floorwork, partner acrobatics, and dynamic circus sequences with each moment pushing the narrative forward while maintaining the playful tone. The choreography is tightly executed, yet it never loses the mischievous spirit that defines the show. Moments of slapstick and exaggerated physical comedy punctuate the darker elements, ensuring the audience is laughing while simultaneously being impressed by the physicality of the production.

The intimate setting of the Ukiyo tent at Gluttony works particularly well for a production like Campfire. The closeness of the audience heightens the suspense of the aerial and acrobatic feats while also amplifying the comedic interactions and character-driven moments.

Beneath the playful horror aesthetic lies a warm-hearted message. As the campers navigate the supernatural threat and their own ridiculous mishaps, the show ultimately becomes a story about how friendship and acceptance are all that really matter.

Campfire is a well-crafted blend of circus skill, physical storytelling and irreverent humour. This is a Fringe show that has comedy and creepiness in equal measure, proving that even the dark can be a place for laughter and for celebrating the power of friendship.

Peta Bojanic

Click here to read more Adelaide Fringe reviews