I feel like there’s a time in everybody’s life where they want to run away and join the circus, right?
Opening with acrobatics and laughs galore Circus Oz’s Here, There and Everywhere brought that whimsical wish of childhood right back. And if I wasn’t already sold by the fantastical feats of athleticism and clownery on stage, I was by the over-the-top frilled coral attire we were welcomed with!
I have always been deeply impressed by physical performers, whether it be dance, theatre, gymnastics, wrestling or the like. Perfecting a skill and sharing it with the world is something we are so lucky to bear witness to. But there is something even more immensely spectacular that occurs when the disciplines and people work together to create. Circus Oz does this successfully and it’s an absolute delight to witness.
From the first trapeze act, all the way through to the final dizzying performance, you bear witness to some of the most impressive performances of skill, strength and trust. It is a testament to Director Nicci Wilks, and the cast consisting of Sharon Gruenert, Leo Pentland, Angelique Ross, Hannah Richards, Spenser Inwood, Debra Batton and Mozes, that make it all look effortless. Throughout the evening, we are introduced to each member’s expert skill set, giving them all a moment to shine, whilst also treating audiences to high intensity humorous troupe performances. A highlight was the impressive duo trapeze act and the silliness of the… human horse.
The cast was supported live on stage by musicians Chris Lewis and Carl Polke who were a welcome addition, allowing for excellent comedic timing by adding sound effects to the physical acts, or building the energy in the venue. The only silence in the room coming from the Melbourne crowd, tense and in awe, as they watched the jaw dropping feats on stage.
Having a live band playing on stage, allowed for the pacing of the show to flow as it required. Particularly with the unpredictability of circus performances, this was a great choice and ran smoother than you may normally see with backing tracks. Both the performing cast and the band, even when not the direct focus on stage, remained in character, or moved with a purpose, some moving as far as into the crowd!
From beginning to end, there is chaos, comedy and acrobatics in leaps and bounds, seamlessly blended from scene to scene, stunt to stunt. Each transition was unique and purposeful. Even bringing in the crash mats and the disposing of the hula hoops added entertainment value. With things consistently moving, there was absolutely no time to hold your breath, even when the flips and drops had me wanting to.
With an incredibly talented team both on and behind the stage (there was a lot of rigging required), Circus Oz put on an excellently blended, stellar showcase of skill, silliness and everything you would hope from a circus family. This show is a not-to-miss multigenerational stage for a multigenerational audience.
Circus Oz‘s Here, There and Everywhere! is currently playing at the Melbourne Town Hall, Main Hall until the April 19th as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/here-there-and-everywhere
https://circusoz.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/circusoz
Photography by Ian Sutherland.