Review: The Joy And Magic Of The Early Days Of Traveling Entertainment Comes To Sydney With CIRCUS 1903 – THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS

Tuesday 20th December 2016, 7pm, Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Revisiting the excitement and wonder that enchanted crowds at the start of the 20th Century, CIRCUS 1903 recreates the magic that inspired many contemporary circuses. From the people that created THE ILLUSIONISTS 1903 and LE NOIR - THE DARK SIDE OF CIRQUE, this new show brings back the fun of 'old world' circus with a contemporary, animal friendly adaptation from the puppeteers that also created War Horse's magnificent animals.

The cavernous space of the Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall is given an intimacy as it is turned into the inside of a Big Top. Ladders and rigging beneath the multitude of lights give hints as to what the night may hold. A single railway caravan sits centre stage with other accoutrements of the circus carnival that has rolled into town whilst the Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade (David Williamson) greets the audience and breaks the ice as they settle in to their seats.

Williamson is wonderful as Whipsnade explains the origins of the touring circus that grew in size with the expansion of railways in America. As small wagon shows made way for larger and larger troupes that increasingly included exotic animals, famous circuses like Barnum & Bailey and Ringling Bros entertained the US from coast to coast. With a reverence and touch of a documentary narrator, Whipsnade sets the premise of the night that CIRCUS 1903 wants to give contemporary audiences a taste of the excitement of the Circus coming to town. As he narrates the show, he conveys an inspired awe with the Golden age of circus that has formed the basis of so many contemporary troupes. He also shares the wonder, joy and magic that audiences felt in 1903, particularly in his poignant chat with two young visitors that was heart-warming and moving and demonstrated a rare skill of engaging with the younger audience without belittling them or embarrassing them.

In late Victorian and Edwardian costumes that display an elegance and conservatism of the time, the troupe made up of masters of their skill from a multitude of countries display breathtaking acrobatics, agility and precision. Some acts like Lucky Moon's "Aerial Ballet" with the Lyra and Florian "The Cycling Cyclone" have a peaceful grace whilst others are more frenetic like The Flying Finns' "Catapulting Chaos" and The Great Gaston's "Juggling Juggernaut". Other acts like Les Incredibles "Where Angels Fear to Tread" duet on the Russian Cradle, the Fratelli Rossi brothers "Icarian Acrobatics" foot juggling and the Los Lopez family "High Wire" have the audience gasping at the daring, death defying skill whilst other acts like Duo Flash's pantomime and clowning and Ringmaster Willy Whipsnade's "Training of Wild Animals" provides comic relief.

Whilst the human acts are incredible and breathtaking, the quiet stars of the show African Elephant Queenie and her baby Karanga (Peanut) proved to be the crowd favourite. Designed and created by UK puppeteers Significant Object, the 'animals' are impressive to say the least. They are presented with realistic movement, Queenie lumbering as a 3.2meter high elephant would whilst Peanut gambols along like any baby animal that has still to grow into its feet. Peanut in particular is given a playful attitude and the ability to express emotion, eliciting sighs from the audience as it runs and plays.

CIRCUS 1903 is a must see for anyone. For the young, it will capture their sense of wonder. For the young at heart, it will reconnect to the magic and joy that a circus evoked. For those used to contemporary circuses, CIRCUS 1903 will give an insight into the origins of the art form that has evolved to lycra clad mega productions or the cabaret burlesque circuses that fill supper clubs.

CIRCUS 1903

Sydney: 18 - 29th December 2016

Melbourne: 3 - 12 January 2017