Big top entertainment doesn’t get much better than La Ronde. Back for another season, this is one hour sumptuous hour of lush spectacle with a scorching hot lineup of international circus performers. Production powerhouse Strut ‘n Fret have been a staple of the Adelaide Fringe for years, and their reputation for extravagant, crowd-pleasing entertainment is well earned. And in the spirit of their previous hits LIMBO and Blanc de Blanc, La Ronde proves to be another feather in their bedazzled cap.

As a seasoned circus enthusiast, I can safely say La Ronde showed me a side of performance art I’ve never experienced. Everything from the set pieces to the comic timing to the sound and light production came together in one gloriously camp package. Every performer brings a unique and captivating presence to the stage, and I could easily write a solo review for each one! The audience was especially taken with Danik, the handstand artist, who proved a level of muscular strength and control that would make a callisthenics instructor blush. Meanwhile, Swedish maestro David Eriksson - clad in pastel goth attire - had the audience in the palm of his hand from one outrageous stunt to the next. Think improbable balancing acts using kitchenware and balloons, or his trademark rapid-fire ping pong ball numbers (straight from his mouth, no less!). Hands down, some of the most unique physical theatre tricks I have ever seen. 

On the aerial side, La Ronde boasts a level of artistry and grace rare even by Fringe standards. The show provides some unique twists on conventional apparatuses. Imagine pole dancing but on two tough rubber bands, or on a mesmerising flying pole number that defies the limits of grip strength. We get two incredibly sexy numbers with a death-defying flying rope routine, and a modified four-sided trapeze that can be manipulated into some incredibly splitty poses. And to finish it all off, singer Gigi resplendent on top of a giant disco ball, serenading as the lights glitter below.   

If you like it big, loud and unabashedly lavish, then La Ronde is the perfect show for you. Nary a moment is wasted, not an opportunity is missed for your eyes to be filled with wonder. It’s a full-throttle sensation that needs to be seen to be believed.

***** 5 Stars