A bird’s eye view of awe-inspiring feats is always a treat, and that’s what Circus of Illusion will offer at Brisbane Powerhouse until April 6.
As the show’s name suggests, audiences will get an up-close look at two captivating entertainment forms – for the price of one.
Fans of these popular genres will know that productions are often staged in venues that hold thousands and, in fact, Circus of Illusion arrives here straight from two performances for almost 5000 patrons at Sydney’s State Theatre over Easter.
With a cosier capacity of 526 seats, the Powerhouse Theatre brings everyone closer to the action in a season spanning nine performances at family-friendly times for the school holidays.
Such is the popularity of both modern circus and illusion that you might wonder what sets Circus of Illusion apart from other blends.
Creator and star Michael Boyd cites serving up tradition with a contemporary twist, starting with feeling like you’re walking into a circus tent. Then there’s the combination of world-class acts balancing elegance and edginess with high production values.
Boyd emphasises that it is “definitely not a copy of Cirque du Soleil, which so many people do (copy) these days”.
There’s no narrative or thematic concept, simply two entertainment forms “that work so well together”.
“It’s pure entertainment at its best, a really fun-packed, fast-moving show for the whole family, be you a child or a 90-year-old,” adds Boyd.
You might know Boyd from Australia’s Got Talent, where his incredible illusions propelled him to the finals in 2011. He was invited to return in 2019.
He was already a TV talent show veteran, first trying his hand in his youth after being taught magic from the age of nine by his grandfather.
He appeared on shows such as Young Talent Time and Pot Luck (with the late and dauntingly acerbic Bernard King). Fortunately, King took a liking to the 16-year-old and he won the series and went on to perform around the world, on cruise ships, in casino show rooms and in theatres.
Boyd donned producer and promoter hats a decade ago, enabling him to recruit international friends to lend their talents onstage and behind-the-scenes. Packaging the line-up into two taut 45-minute sets is the “secret formula” that “keeps it to those real ‘pop’ moments”, Boyd explains.
They’re certainly things you don’t see every day and won’t be trying at home.
Ringmaster Idris Stanbury does much more than provide a comic link between the performers he introduces. He could have crowds rolling up just to see him juggling chainsaws and swords.
Sascha Williams came to fame globally as a semi-finalist on Britain’s Got Talent for taking rola bola to extreme heights and risk-taking. He’ll be playing electric guitar while teetering precariously on the balance board.
The magic tricks include working with fire, dangerous escapes and Boyd balancing on a sword’s point. Audience engagement extends to giving some patrons the opportunity to get in on the act onstage – a big thrill for kids, especially.
Actually, just about everything in the line-up involves danger, even when executed with beauty and elegance in the case of female aerialist Aleisha Manion’s breath-taking contortions and balancing on a ring suspended high above.
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The safer “wow factor” of her light-up hula hoop routine once back on the ground, plus the show’s various comedy bits, allow the audience to catch its breath from time to time on this roller coaster ride.
Circus of Illusion continues at Brisbane Powerhouse until April 6
brisbanepowerhouse.org
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