From the creative minds behind Rogue comes the latest offering from the ferociously talented team at Highwire Entertainment. Primal is a sizzling circus ensemble that features a full hour of thrilling acrobatics, heart-pounding aerials, balancing acts, and tantalizing circus delights.

Foregoing any singular host, the cast keeps the show rolling at an even pace from one dramatic performance to another. They keep us guessing with wildly different routines appearing as soon as the lights dim and refocus. From cheeky and flamboyant burlesque and dance numbers to daring feats showing off raw power and aerial artistry, is a show that wants to keep your heart pumping and your focus firmly held. There’s strong sensual chemistry between the performers, appropriate for a show based on exploring primal instincts. Everyone has a chance to shine, and more often than not their solo acts are complemented by moments of sexually charged tension and tenderness with their fellow cast members. 

There’s a heavy emphasis on floor-based circus where the acrobats have ample opportunity to show off their brawn and flexibility. The cast boasts some incredibly splitty contortionists who combine their abundant dexterity with some uncanny balancing techniques (not to mention some exceptionally polished handstand abilities). A very unique aspect of partner acrobatics is more often than not it’s the women who base the tricks. The willingness to push gender stereotypes and our biased concepts of physical power is indeed admirable and makes for some astonishing feats of physical strength. And the solo acts are positively breathtaking. One incredible moment sticks with me, when the resident trapeze artist performed an outrageous stunt catching his toes on a piece of string suspended under the bar mid-somersault. 

The challenges of running a variety show often come down to how well the coordination of the acts is managed, and on a couple of occasions, the transitions between different routines felt slightly rushed. There were also some small moments where individual performers and audio mixes felt slightly off-form. Nonetheless, the show runs on an even keel and every cast member has something impressive to contribute to the overall experience. 

Primal is undeniably enthralling, a testament to the physical potential of the human body; wildly sexy, a feast for the senses. It will cater to your insatiable curiosity and leave you hungry for more.

****1/2 Four and a half stars