Presented by Strut & Fret Production House, Underbelly Productions and Southbank Centre
Reviewed 19 February 2014
Let me say from the outset that if you’re planning to go see Limbo and are worried this review may contain spoilers, stop worrying right now because no words can adequately capture and convey the experience that is Limbo. That said, if you want to know a bit about what to expect, here it is.
The show opened with a musical number by the live band featuring New York’s musical chameleon, Sxip Shirey, human acoustic noise machine. The band, complete with full sized tuba, kept up the energy of the show, which can only be described as jaw-dropping, for the entire 75 minute spectacular. In the first half of the show, the small but extremely talented (and attractive!) cast treated the audience to wonders such as a male ‘demon’ contortionist, tap dancing with whips and percussive audience participation, and high energy acrobatic dance numbers.
The second half of the show took advantage of the intimate Spiegeltent setting, capitalising upon the simple elegance of light bulbs suspended from the roof in a circle around the stage. This half was less cabaret, and more ‘adult circus’ featuring amazing acrobatics (including one shackled in chains at both ankle and wrist), luscious ladies in corsets performing high end aerial artistry, and provided an entirely new take on pole dancing as it took place 20 meters in the air. There was also sexy fun with swords and a light saber that illuminated the sword swallower’s throat as it went down, some daring fire eaters, jugglers and balancing atop a burning ladder, and the highlight of the evening for me, 4 acrobats each atop a ten meter pole ‘flying’ above the audience and at each other.
Limbo has been described as ‘dirty and dangerous circus-cabaret’, but I’m not sure I’d agree with this summation. It is certainly sexy and awe-inspiring, but I think despite offering all you could want from an adult-style circus, it’s still clean enough to take the whole family. This is professional, quality Fringe entertainment and as I heard one person say as the show ended: “Best show ever.”
Reviewed by Samantha Bond
Venue: Garden of Unearthly Delights – Paradiso Spiegeltent, Rundle Park, Adelaide
Season: 20 February 2014- 16 March 2014]
Duration: 75 minutes
Tickets: $48.00 – $52.00
Bookings: Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or phone 1300 621 255
Photo Credit: Southbank Centre
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