Making their grand premiere at The Garden of Unearthly Delights for Adelaide Fringe 2025 comes La Ronde the Show. Comprising a collection of extraordinary worldwide artists performing out-of-this-world acts, it’s yet another Strut & Fret show that puts this production company on top of the entertainment map.
Set in the gorgeous surrounds of the Spiegeltent, we’re first introduced to the La Ronde world by way of a giant disco ball sitting squarely in the middle of the room. Gigi McFarlane kicks off proceedings, welcoming audiences with her booming singing voice and impressive vocal skills. She almost plays as chapter breaks throughout the 90-minute performance, getting the crowd on their feet and clapping along to the music. Sam Goodburn adds the comedic element to the impressive acrobatic show. You’ll notice he has a penchant for biscuits and quite happily distributes them to the crowd at regular intervals. On top of that, Sam is also remarkably skilful on the unicycle. Watching him trying to get dressed while riding the one-wheeled apparatus could best be described as ‘balls out fun!’
With the singing and comedy covered, and Adam covering (or should I say uncovering) the raunchier side of La Ronde, it was up to artists Felipe, Polina, Sergiy and Diana to bring the wow factor, and that they did. From a jaw-clenching aerial performance to hair-pulling rope acts, it seemed as if no part of these magnificent artists' body parts were safe in La Ronde. And if you weren’t impressed by the painful side of performing, then Diana and Sergiy showed their magnificent strength, with a square trapeze apparatus Diana’s weapon of choice, while Sergiy drew a standing ovation for some truly amazing work on the aerial pole. How he makes it look so effortless is the most extraordinary part of it all!
If I did have one criticism for La Ronde though it would be that there doesn’t seem to be a cohesive storyline through it all. Unlike The Party and Limbo the Return, this show just appears as a best of the best show - and believe me, these performers are THE BEST. I just prefer a bit more story with my art. Physical acts of strength, tear-inducing laughs and teeth-clenching performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat, La Ronde is a show that you won’t want to miss!
****1/2 FOUR AND A HALF STARS
Reviewed by Shane Berketa