This year Bass Fam Creative brings Mansions to the Adelaide Fringe.

From the creative team behind award winning, box office hits Matador and Oracle, Mansion is described as a ‘spine tingling fusion of dance, circus, and burlesque’.

Entering the Octagon at Gluttony you are greeted by a hunched over old man who entices you in. The stage is set like the inside of a haunted mansion. The old man states the house rules and shares the story of the old house you have entered. A woman has recently lost her husband and her two children have moved into this old house. Warned not to touch the spectres and they won’t touch you, Mansions begins with an dramatic and emotional dance number.

From here, the story unfolds, of the haunted house and the turmoil and suffering of the family. Creepy spectres taunt and tease the family as they deal with their own struggles. This is creatively and dramatically portrayed through dance and music. The dancing is impressive and spectacular and ranges from ballet to modern, and just down right creepy. At times it is genuinely scary and will have you clutching at your seat.

Strong and graceful dancing is interspersed with impressive circus and modern burlesque and dance acts. Aerial performances on different apparatus display strength however maintain the dance styling of the show. The performances are edgy and very dramatic. The music was different and unexpected with versions of familiar songs reimagined in peculiar ways. Great costume design for each of the performers in this show is evident.

Mansions is set apart from other shows by its heavy feature of dance and smooth transition from artist to artist. The show is all around you. and the tent you walked in disappears and turns into a haunted mansion. There are multiple peaks of drama followed by slower and more emotional numbers. I have never seen a live show that is frightful. If you really want to be in it, sit near an entry or an exit will increase your exposure to the spectres of the Mansion.

Mansions is an immersive experience. If you love haunted houses, but want it to come to you, or prefer to experience things sitting down, this is just for you. Fans of Stranger Things and Wednesday Addams family will appreciate the dark and gothic styling of theatre meets horror movie. Mansions isn’t only dancing but a story about love, nightmares, and family connection.

A truly spooky spectacle.

5 star