Spiegeltent - Whats The Show

Circus-cabaret Spectacular, La Ronde Makes Its Melbourne Debut At Spiegel Haus This October

01/10/2026 Breaking News

The five-star circus cabaret sensation from Strut & Fret, the creators of Blanc de Blanc Encore and Late Night Vice, arrives in Melbourne for the first time, following a huge national tour.

Melbourne, get ready to surrender to the spectacular.

Following critically acclaimed seasons across Australia and a swag of five-star reviews, La Ronde will make its highly anticipated Melbourne debut at Spiegel Haus Melbourne from Wednesday 21 October, bringing its intoxicating blend of world-class circus, cabaret, comedy, live music, glamour and jaw-dropping physical artistry to the heart of the CBD. The Melbourne season follows hot on the heels of an extended 260-show residency in Sydney where La Ronde has racked up more than 1600 five-star audience reviews.

From the internationally renowned creators of Blanc de Blanc Encore and Late Night Vice, La Ronde brings together some of the world’s most extraordinary circus performers for one whirlwind night of spectacle, seduction and skill.

Inside the velvet-draped Spiegeltent, audiences are invited into a world where glittering bodies spin overhead, gravity is defied and the impossible becomes reality.

“Saucy, sensational and undeniably sexy.” ★★★★★ The Advertiser
“All-killer no-filler.” ★★★★★ THE LIST
“Glitz, glamour and incredible displays of talent.” ★★★★★ The AU Review
“If you only see one show (at Adelaide Fringe), make it La Ronde.” ★★★★★ Time Out

Featuring an international cast of elite performers, La Ronde is a high-energy collision of circus, cabaret, comedy and live music, with breathtaking aerial acts, feats of strength, acrobatics, comedy and artistry performed up close and personal in the intimate surrounds of the Spiegeltent.

Among them:
– Acrobat and cabaret artist – Adam Malone (Australia)
– Fire-loving provocateur – Danik Abishe (Australia)
– Guerilla Comedy artist – David Erikson (Sweden)
– Pyramid trapeze aerialist – Diana Bondarenko (Ukraine)
– Singer and dancer – Dorival Junco (Cuba)
– Flying pole virtuoso – Sergiy Mishchurenko (Ukraine)
– Hair-hanging sensation – Zoe Kelly (New Zealand)

Strut & Fret and La Ronde Producer, Jess Copas hinted at what to expect:
“Every act in La Ronde pushes the boundaries of what the human body can do, combining extraordinary technique with humour, sensuality, danger and a healthy dose of irreverence. And with the action taking place on and around a central stage (hence the name La Ronde/The Round), the show feels very intimate as the performers are never far away.”

The result is a night of circus, cabaret and pure physical artistry that is as glamorous as it is outrageous.

Spiegel Haus Melbourne Creative Director Chris Mitchell said Melbourne audiences were in for something unlike anything they had experienced at the venue before.
“La Ronde is everything we love about live entertainment. It is bold, glamorous, cheeky, surprising and incredibly skilful, with some of the world’s most extraordinary performers bringing the stage to life right in front of the audience.

“We have watched La Ronde build an incredible following around Australia and we can’t wait for Melbourne audiences to experience it for themselves.”

REVIEWS: A SPECTACLE THAT HAS AUDIENCES TALKING

After receiving 11 five-star reviews in its debut season at Adelaide Fringe 2025, the production has continued to attract critical acclaim.

The accolades have continued, with Australian arts and entertainment publications embracing the production’s extraordinary combination of physical artistry, glamour and sheer spectacle.

“Breathtaking and wonderous” – ★★★★★ The Au Review
“La Ronde is truly the best show we’ve seen yet.” – ★★★★★ About Adelaide
“A collection of the planet’s most exhilarating variety artists.” – ★★★★★ Hi Fi Way
“A thrilling cocktail of tease and astonishment that excites and amazes beyond imagination.” – Broadway World
“Leave(s) the audience in awe with their mastery of physicality and creativity.” – Australian Arts Review
“A captivating and dazzling theatrical experience” – Theatre Travels
“Extravagant… stunning… magnificent… fun” – ★★★★★ PLAY & GO
“‘timeless artistry”’ – ★★★★★ ENTERTAINMENT NOW
“Wow. Just wow!”– ★★★★★ KIDS IN ADELAIDE
“Not to be missed!” – ★★★★★ MY ADELAIDE TRIBE
“Outstanding.” – ★★★★★ THE ADELAIDE REVIEW TEAM
“it’s easy to forget they’re mere mortals.” – ★★★★★ FIFTY+SA

Strictly for audiences aged 18+, La Ronde contains mild nudity, strobe lighting and theatrical haze.

Season opens: La Ronde opens at Spiegel Haus Melbourne on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 7:00pm.
Media Night: Tuesday 27 October 2026 at 7:00pm
Venue: Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
Season: 21 October 2026 to 31 January 2027 – Wed-Sun
Tickets: spiegelhausmelb.com | From $69:00 + booking fee
Duration: 90 minutes including interval

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Briefs: Dirty Laundry – A Sparkling Show of Fun and Freedom

04/04/202511/03/2024 Rebecca Yeo🌟🦉

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is a dazzling delight that bursts with energy and excitement. Set in a laundromat, this production challenges conventional notions of gender, sexuality, and performance art, all while delivering an evening of pure entertainment at Sydney Spiegeltent.

From the moment the show starts, the audience is thrust into a world where boundaries are meant to be broken. The cast of Briefs exudes confidence and charisma as they effortlessly blend elements of cabaret, circus, and burlesque into a seamless performance. Each act is a testament to their talent, with acrobatics, dance and comedy that leave the audience mesmerized and in stitches.

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is led by the charismatic Fez Faanana, also known as Shivanana. Thomas Worrell, with his impossibly fast spinning aerial routine, and Serenity, portrayed by circus artist Dylan Rodriguez, were standout performers who left the audience in awe. Another standout performer was Dale Woodbridge-Brown, who, along with Mark “Captain Kidd” Winmill, gave us hilarious facials and group routines. Other ultra-talented performers who made up the cast were Rowan Thomas and Brett Rosengreen.

The Sydney Spiegeltent provided the perfect venue to complement each performance. The set design and wardrobe of some of the routines added to the laundromat setting. Some of the routines did not seem to fit into the setting. However, they were all still enjoyable to watch. The wardrobe, or lack thereof, was fun and left the audience wondering what outrageous costume change would come next. The playlist was filled with wonderful nods to pop culture, while lighting enhanced the audience’s experience as we knew who to focus on during the performances.

What sets Briefs: Dirty Laundry apart is its fearless exploration of gender identity and expression. The performers challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. Through their captivating performances, they celebrate the beauty of diversity and the freedom to be true to oneself, regardless of societal norms.

Briefs: Dirty Laundry is not just a performance but an experience. From the moment everyone entered the venue, they were transformed into the Brief’s world. A raffle ticket drawer gave the show a sense of interaction that you don’t normally see at many theatre shows. Audience members left their inhibitions at the door and laughed along in an inviting atmosphere.

Whether you’re drawn to acrobatics or cheeky charm, this show promises a memorable experience. The last Sydney show is this Friday, March 15th, so make sure to get your tickets before the group disappears. My one piece of advice is to go in with an open mind and enjoy a night full of surprise and laughter.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Roll up! Roll up! The Marvellous Elephant Man

04/04/202502/09/2023 Linda Lokhee🏆💎🔥🦉🎭

Roll up! Roll up! For this is no ordinary show– The Marvellous Elephant Man The Musical is a colourful feast of sound and flair under the Sydney Spiegeltent at the EQ Moore Park that will keep you entranced.

The talented trio of writers and composers of this musical took additional roles onstage to showcase their versatility. Musical Director Sarah Nandagopan performed on the piano, Marc Lucchesi and Jayan Nandagopan acted and brought their instruments into the story via their characters.

The Marvellous Elephant Man brings us the story of John Merrick, a man who, in real life in the late 1800s, was the main attraction being paraded at the then-popular ‘freakshows’ in London. The musical breathes life into John’s story, and actor Ben Clark’s portrayal captures our hearts from the moment we see and hear him sing, most notably with the song “I Am Not An Animal”. In stark contrast to John’s kind heart and good nature is the dastardly wicked villain Dr Frederick Treves, played by award-winning actor Kanen Breen. In one scene with these two characters, Dr. Treves’ dialogue was so masterfully well-written and delivered with such malice it was heartbreaking!

Lighting designer Matthew Marshall did an outstanding job adding to the emotive drama in this scene. I noticed how his subtle choice of colour, blue – really highlighted how John was feeling. In another scene, the storytelling involved the most creative use of lighting and illusion I have ever seen on stage! You’ll know this scene when you watch the show; it’s the one with the strobe lighting!

The musical is layered with so many different elements – it’s difficult to pigeonhole The Marvellous Elephant Man into just one genre. There’s plenty of drama, mystery, and a possible love story between John and Nurse Hope, played by Annelise Hall, who created a character so sweet and believable you’ll fall in love with her too! Her singing was mesmerising.

Another major element of this musical was the side-splitting comedy woven into each scene. Writer and composer Marc Lucchesi’s theatrical debut is a standout show stealer. By playing three vastly different strong characters, complete with accents, he had the audience roaring with laughter with each song! The supporting cast were simply brilliant with their dancing, comedic timing and flamboyant costumes.

Some musicals stick to one time era. The songs in this musical were so cleverly composed that the soundtrack took the audience on a rollercoaster ride of songs, sampling being reminiscent of a 1920s bar to being at a vaudeville show to classic rock to being in Italy, and everything in between!

The trombone ‘elephant man’ motif, played by composer Jayan Nandagopan, created its own little story as it began the show with a sad elephant defeated stomp when we were first introduced to John Merrick. As the ‘elephant man’ began to gain confidence, so too did the trombone, becoming brighter in sound and tempo – such a wonderful way to communicate the character’s growth.

The Producer and Co-Directors Chris Mitchell and Guy Masterson have put together an outstanding cast and created a visual masterpiece with a huge voice. With each performance I am sure it is going places, up and away. When this musical is shown on Broadway, in the West End, and closer to home in our larger theatres, I will be so glad I got to be a part of its humble beginnings, on a small round stage in a bigtop tent at the Entertainment Quarter.

The Marvellous Elephant Man the Musical’s performance time is 2 hours and 20 minutes, including the interval time and proudly opened The Sydney Fringe Festival on September 1 2023.

Tickets are now on sale and showing at the Speigeltent Festival Garden – Sydney Spiegeltent The Entertainment Quarter from September 1 – October 1 2023

Evening performances 7.30pm Tuesday – Saturday; 7pm Sunday

Matinee performances 2pm Saturday; 1pm Sunday

Tickets: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/the-marvellous-elephant-man-the-musical/

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Subscribe to What's The Show

Connect Online