Now You See Me Live

Now You See Me Live

Now You See Me Live Rating

★★★★★

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Magic and mystery has made its way to Perth’s Crown Theatre, with NOW YOU SEE ME LIVE presenting bold tricks and thrilling stunts to captivate audiences.

Based on the popular movie trilogy, following a band of cunning magicians known as the Horsemen, the story naturally lends itself to a life on the stage. With a fourth film confirmed to be in development, this live adaptation is a great way to tide over fans who are hungry for more.

Throughout the two hour performance we meet escapologist Andrew Basso, sleight-of-hand expert Matthew Pomeroy and grand illusionists Gabriella Lester and Pablo Canovas who take turns baffling audiences, leaving many questioning how their trickery was pulled off.

From card tricks to mind reading and teleportation, there was plenty of action for patrons throughout the night with ample opportunities for audience patience (their faces proving how mind boggling some of these tricks truly were).

 

 

Without giving away too much, some personal highlights included a death defying Houdini style escape, and a very impressive maths equation to bring the night to a close – complete with a touching speech about time, and the way we choose to use it.

Outside of some master trickery, this show also had high production value, with immersive lighting and sound design audiences were truly immersed into the world of the show, helping provide the thriller-type feel from the films.

One piece of advice I’d offer to anyone attending the show is to look out for cards on the way in. There was a particular moment, using the entire audience and the ‘cards you received on the way in’ – unfortunately myself and those I was with didn’t get any (though we may have just missed them ourselves) so had to miss out but enjoyed watching those around us. Given the size of the audience and the grand scale of the trick, it was very impressive and therefore a little disappointing to not have been a part of it.

Admittedly there were a few things throughout the show that I’m still skeptical of, but it was clear from the audience’s overall reactions that many were baffled and left wanting more.

This show makes for a great night out for people of all ages, and is a fantastic nod to its roots – don’t wait to pick up tickets
 blink and you’ll miss it 😉

To book tickets to Now You See Me Live, please visit https://www.crownperth.com.au/entertainment/crown-theatre/shows/now-you-see-me.

Photographer: Cameron Grant, Parenthesy

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#Since1994

Since 1994

Since 1994 Rating

★★★★★

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As Perth Fringe opened this week I was incredibly excited to see this international contemporary circus act from Taiwan. To be honest – I was a little unsure what to expect from the description of the show but my expectations were well exceeded.

Part circus, part physical theatre, this show is definitely the best kind of off beat and for those looking for something different. All I could think of what how interesting, thought provoking and expressive this show is.

How and where did these women train? What is their background? And what made them want perform this rebellious circus act that differs so drastically from any traditional circus?

A little research about performer and creator of #since1994 Mei Chih-ling reveals that she studied at the prestigious National Taiwan College of Performing Arts which undoubtably informs her art today and maybe not for the reasons we would first think. Chih-Ling shares that “In school, female students would be punished if they gained 0.1 kilogram, so we were afraid to even drink water before weighing ourselves.” These kinds of experiences transfer to the stage and comment not only on industry expectations but what it means to be a woman today. How do we allow ourselves to be treated? How do we feel? What is our purpose? What are we capable of?

 

 

Rated PG I tentatively took my 7 year old daughter (who is a bit of an acrobat herself) along to this show not 100% sure if it would be appropriate. What I learnt was, that it was 100% the perfect show for us and we both loved it! It also lead to a great discussion point with her. Did she ever want to create her own work? While my daughter loves her calisthenics classes – would it be freeing for her to use her skills she has learnt to tell her own stories in the future rather than just be instructed what to tell? It was something I had thought about in the past but seeing these powerful women (both physically and mentally) in the flesh perform this was a real inspiration.

The show is as impressive with its thought provoking nature as it is with it’s circus acts itself. The strength, talent and cohesion of this all female troupe was outstanding. We saw human towers, table spinning on feet at speeds I’d never seen, contortion, hula hooping, aerial acts and juggling.

They didn’t miss the comedy of circus either and both my daughter and myself were giggling along to some sillier and more playful moments of the show. She especially loved the audience participation when she got to draw on the artists with lipstick.

This show has all the feels and takes you on an unexpected emotional journey. It’s beautifully poetic and spectacle to watch. By the end it had me with tears in my eyes; I wasn’t quite sure why, but it was something to do with the unity of women, our struggles, experiences and possibilities we all have combined.

#Since1994 runs Wednesday the 21st of January till Sunday the 1st of February at The Gold at The Pleasure Garden.

To book tickets to Since 1994, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/since1994-fw2026.

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Briefs: The Works

Briefs: The Works

Briefs: The Works Rating

★★★★★

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4

Briefs: The Works

Whenever I ask for recommendations on what to see at the FRINGEWORLD Festival, Briefs is always on the list. It’s a fan favourite for good reason, and there’s a reason people return season after season to see the new show. This year is no exception — and it absolutely does not disappoint.

In 2026, Briefs celebrates its 18th birthday, with 13 of those years right here in Perth. The Works is a celebration of that journey, bringing together and reimagining some of their most loved elements to create a bold, brand-new show.

What you get is Briefs’ unmistakable blend of sparkle and sass; risky and risquĂ©; oh my god and Oh. My. God! (IYKYK).

 

 

The show begins the moment you step into the venue. Performers roam the space, interacting with the audience and setting the tone for what’s to come — and oh my goodness, what does come. How do you sum up Briefs in 300-ish words? Think jaw-dropping strength, grace, and power from the aerialists; flawless acrobatics paired with pitch-perfect mime; the hairiest man I have ever seen (and oh my goodness did we see a lot of him!) dancing en pointe — and jumping en pointe (my toes hurt just watching). Add the grossest thing I’ve ever seen done with a balloon, fire nipple tassels, audience interaction, and, of course, the infamous splash zone and you get a bit of an idea of what Briefs – The Works has to offer.

I cannot say enough good things about this show — but a word of warning: this is not one to take your young children to, and there is a lot of swearing. If bad language or adult content offends you, this isn’t for you. But if you’re up for a wildly entertaining night out filled with aerials, acrobatics, drag, sequins, and unapologetic attitude, this show will absolutely fill your cup.

Briefs: The Works is showing for the entire FRINGEWORLD season (except Mondays). If, like me, you’ve been hearing about Briefs for the last 13 years and wondering whether you should book a ticket, take this as your sign — book now.

More information:
https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/briefs-the-works-fw2026

To book tickets to Briefs: The Works, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/briefs-the-works-fw2026.

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GASHA: Where Tradition Collides With The Future

Gasha

Gasha Rating

★★★★★

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GASHA: Where Tradition Collides With The Future

I want to start by apologising to the performers. I was so utterly enthralled and completely absorbed that I forgot to applaud and show these incredible artists the love they deserved. My plus one—well accustomed to my enthusiastic noise-making at circus shows—eventually leaned over and whispered, “Shouldn’t we clap?” Oh my goodness.

It turns out the rest of the audience was just as mesmerised. We all sat in silence until when my plus one and I finally clapped and cheered, suddenly it felt like everyone had been given permission to applaud, but moments later we were back to mesmerised and the audience was silent again. Performers if you are reading this, you were STUNNING! The silence was a reflection of our awe and not a suggestion you weren’t all amazing.

 

 

GASHA is the latest masterpiece from Cirquework, and last night marked its dazzling global debut—right here in little old Perth. Remember when “no one comes to Perth”? Those days are well and truly gone. I don’t use the word dazzling lightly. The performers were stunning, powerful, and exquisitely skilled, complimented by the lighting design—strobe effects and an LED backdrop—elevated the show to another level not often seen at a Fringe show.

This production is an exquisite tapestry of art. Kimono-inspired costumes seamlessly merge with modern aerial attire. Live-mixed music weaves alongside the haunting sounds of the shamisen (a traditional Japanese banjo). Talented musicians meet gifted aerialists, acrobats, a mesmerising Cyr wheel artist and I don’t know what kind of artist name you use for someone who spins fabric and balances umbrellas, but what ever that is called, that was beautiful too. Every element blends together in a vivid celebration and tribute to Japanese culture.

GASHA is showing for the full FRINGEWORLD Festival season (except Mondays), plays at the very civilised time of 6:15pm, and is performed in a blissfully air-conditioned venue. It truly ticks all the boxes.

More information https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/gasha-fw2026

To book tickets to Gasha, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/gasha-fw2026.

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