Audience expectations are high for Limbo – The Return, thanks to snippets seen across social media and video clips shared by the producers. And overall, it is an enjoyable show. But is it worth the $60—$99 ticket price? Unfortunately, no.
It opens with a harmonica medley and the Limbo ensemble strutting on stage, beatboxing and playing their respective instruments. The tune is catchy with a strong beat, and the characters are recognisable from advertising seen across the CBD and on buses. The introduction builds excitement among audience members, and intrigue as to what to expect next.
A comical highlight occurs rather early, when a tap dancer quickly and impressively moves his feet to his own beat. There is something eerie, in such a large-scale production, in not hearing anything aside from the clacking of his shoes. The dancer draws laughter from the crowd when he creates a beat and relies on audience participation to repeat various sex noises.
Then there is an act on tall bendable poles — the most beautiful part of the performance. Each artist moves swiftly into and out of the centre of the stage, all while standing on a pole. In an enchanting display, they gracefully throw white feathers from above.
The least enjoyable aspect of the show is a sequence including mirrors, during which blinding lights are directed at the audience. While most people can appreciate an unusual yet intriguing setting, this reviewer was afraid to look up for fear of being dazzled – and not in a good way.
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A key criticism of Limbo – The Return is that there is no narrative through the duration of the 70 minutes, making it difficult to connect the dots between the different acts. Although it’s impressive to be able to play with fire or stand on a tall pole, the overall show doesn’t live up to its promise.
As every cast member returns for the final song and dance, a super-muscled man limps and stands behind them on stage with a walking stick in his left hand, admiring the acts in front of him. We’ve since heard that the artist, a key act in the show, ripped his calf sometime earlier. Perhaps his acrobatics were what was needed to make Limbo – The Return truly jarring and have us on the edge of our seats.
Limbo – The Return is at The Spiegeltent in the Garden of Unearthly Delights until March 17.
Read more 2024 Adelaide Fringe coverage here on InReview.
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