Melbourne's Spiegel Haus has earned a reputation for delivering spectacular circus and cabaret, and its latest offering, La Ronde, certainly doesn't disappoint.
With just seven performers, this tight international cast delivers an electrifying evening of breathtaking acrobatics, dazzling artistry, outrageous comedy and more than a little cheeky audience interaction. And all in a way that’s glamorous, camp, occasionally provocative and enormous fun.
Performed in the intimate surrounds of the Spiegel Haus, La Ronde brings audiences thrillingly close to some extraordinary physical feats. There are aerialists spinning high above the stage, seemingly impossible balancing acts, trapeze performances, incredible displays of strength and flexibility and plenty of moments that leave you wondering just what the human body is capable of – I mean, how can bodies actually DO that?!
What makes the show particularly enjoyable, though, is the wonderful mix of personalities and performance styles.
Swedish comedian, David Eriksson is an absolute delight, combining physical comedy with lots of mischief, an infectious sense of fun and hilarious audience participation. Australian performers Danik Abishev and Adam Malone are equally engaging, bringing a playful, cheeky energy to their astonishing displays of athleticism. Between them, these three are amazing at working the crowd, ensuring the audience feels very much part of the action rather than simply watching from the sidelines. And the highly responsive audience loves every minute of it.
For sheer artistry, however, Ukrainian aerialist Sergiy Odessa delivers one of the evening's most memorable performances. His breathtaking routine on the aerial pole is almost balletic, combining extraordinary strength and control with a fluidity and grace that makes the whole thing appear effortless. While his stage presence is more reserved than some of his mischievous castmates, his technical brilliance speaks for itself.
The show also features beautiful aerial work from Diane Bondarenko and Zoe Kelly, who offer feats of flexibility and balance that seem to defy gravity (and all the laws governing what hair should be able to do), and the remarkable vocals of Cuban-Spanish singer Dorival Junco, whose impressive vocal range adds another dimension to the evening's entertainment and who accompaniment is a delicious cherry on the very decadent cake.
There is something quite wonderful about watching performers at this level of skill doing what they do best, especially in a venue where you're close enough to appreciate both the physical demands and the artistry involved.
But La Ronde is much more than a showcase of circus talent. It's a celebration of theatricality, sensuality and individuality, with a playful disregard for conventional gender presentation and just enough naughtiness to keep things fun.
The production moves effortlessly between moments of genuine awe and laugh-out-loud comedy, with the cast's enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment proving every bit as infectious as their talent.
By the end of the evening, the audience is cheering, laughing and thoroughly swept up in the spectacle.
For a cast of just seven, La Ronde delivers an astonishing amount of entertainment. It's slick without feeling overly polished, extravagant without needing a huge stage, and a reminder that the most memorable performances combine exceptional talent with personality, humour and a genuine connection with the audience.
It is a fabulous, high-energy night out and another triumph for Melbourne's Spiegel Haus.
La Ronde is playing at Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale Street, until 31 January 2027.
To book tickets to La Ronde, please visit https://www.spiegelhausmelb.com/laronde.
