Infamous

Under the glittering lights of the big top at Adelaide Fringe, Infamous explodes onto the stage in a riot of sex appeal, jaw-dropping skill and unapologetic attitude. Sexy, raunchy and…wow — just wow! This is circus like no other, a circus with a deliciously dangerous edge.

From the moment you step inside, you’re immersed in an old-school circus glamour. The performers aren’t just performers, they are your bartenders, your ushers, your hosts and I have no doubt, much, much more. It feels like stepping into a close-knit, slightly wicked circus family, and somehow, you instantly become a part of it. There is such a powerful sense of community created by the warm and welcoming nature of the circus performers that it palpably radiates through every act, transforming the audience from passive observers into feeling like they are part of something very special.

The crowd was loud and enthusiastic, creating an excitement that was orchestrated brilliantly by the show’s phenomenal ringmaster and host Tomi Gray. Kicking things off with serious Alice Cooper vibes, Gray stormed the stage as a one-man opening act, singing and smashing the drums with rock-star charisma before seamlessly sliding into host mode. Rude? Absolutely. Crude? Gloriously. He did not hold back on the profanities, yet it was all delivered with such charm and razor-sharp wit that not a shred of offence could be taken. He owned the room. Alongside the comedic usher JoJo, they worked the crowd masterfully, keeping the intensity and anticipation sky-high so that set changes went completely unnoticed. The transitions were flawless, even when they were erecting the immense safety net for the trapeze.

Then there are the bodies…sculpted, powerful and utterly stunning, all on breathtaking and unabashed display. Twirling pole dancing high in the air, a duo performance on the silks that was elegant, classy and sexy, a ‘hold your breath’ death wheel to open the show, a mesmerising adagio concluding with moves in a bathtub the defy possibly, yet here we are, watching it unfold like it happens every day (which I guess it does for the performers, but not something I suggest you try at home!), the awesome juggling, spectacular hula and contortion and fabulous dance performances, all combine to create something truly amazing…but…then there was the trapeze! A standout. Soaring, spinning and defying gravity in ways that had hearts in mouths and eyes wide open. The strength, control and outstanding talent across every act was undeniable, but there is something so special about trapeze – something that fundamentally says this is truly elite circus artistry which in this case was all wrapped up in a sultry spectacle.

Be warned: if nudity and bold language make you blush, this might not be your style of night out and it’s definitely not one to bring the kids. But if you’re ready for a thrilling, boundary-pushing, thoroughly modern circus that is outrageous, accomplished and absolutely unforgettable, this is one show that should not be missed. Completely, unapologetically and unreservedly entertaining.

Peta Bojanic

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