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Cirque Bon Bon
Atheneum Theatre
After a sell out run in Brisbane earlier this year, Melbourne is once again treated to the fantastic performances from Cirque yet again.
CIRQUE BON BON is the brainchild of former Cirque Du Soleil Assistant Creative Director Ash Jacks and choreographer Julieann Nugent, and has attracted over 14,000 audiences in Brisbane, Adelaide and Noosa since it began in 2021.
The show opens with the camp and captivating Mario, self proclaimed as the biggest fan of Queen and Freddie Mercury. From the moment he steps on stage, Mario captures the audience and commands them.
He introduces us to a troop of performers that will leave us spellbound and in complete awe of their ability to both shock, captivate and inspire us with their unique abilities.
Traditionally going to the circus meant seeing death defying acts that usually involved animals being cruelly led to perform horrific feats for entertainment. As the world has become more aware, the circus has had to evolve. With shows like Cirque Bon Bon, it leaves the audience wondering- were animals ever necessary?
Each performer brings to the stage a unique skill, contortionist and foot archery artist Shannen Michaela who holds the Guinness world record for shooting an arrow the farthest with her feet is just breathtaking to watch. It’s amazing how far she pushes her body to the limit, and what she can do. When she bends over to shoot the arrow with her foot, the audiences hearts are clearly in our throats.
With her expert ability using hula hoops viewers are on the edge of their seats as Ashleigh Roper commands the stage. She is mesmerising to watch as she performs, almost making it look easy.
Now as an audience don’t think we’re here to get off that easy. Our host Mario includes not one, but two unwilling participants into the act, making audience participation a must. A duel with bananas while singing to the music of Queen turns some what ludicrous as he spits banana at his unsuspecting volunteer- making for thunderous laughter and applause.
Skating duo Emma Goh and Scott Lazarevich has the audience holding their breath the entire time as they skate in perfect unison. As the act ups the ante for its finale, impressive is an understatement.
The word Bon Bon in French translates to candy, and this evening is the kind of delight one feels when eating ones’ favourite candy. Each performance is spectacular to watch and it’s hard to pick a favourite. Host Mario is delightful, funny and mesmerising but more importantly he brings the whole show together to tie it in and give in continuity. He has the kind of stage presence of the Ring leaders of old, that draws people in, a charisma that transcends and makes his performance memorable.
Each performance is captivating, awe inspiring and memorable. While people sneakily filmed on their phones, the audience was treated to the rare opportunity to see performers push their bodies to the limits, shock and intrigue and most of all, entertain.
Produced by Jacs Entertainment and Woodward Productions, CIRQUE BON BON is world-class cirque entertainment for all ages.
Words by Amanda Lee Starkey
images supplied.
