Melbourne Reviews

Cirque Bon Bon is French-themed but Aussie-made. As its name suggests, it is a delightful, sugary treat that leaves you wanting more. The speciality acts are first rate and the quartet of dancers intermingled through the acts are also top quality.

This isn’t surprising given it’s the love child of Cirque Du Soleil Assistant Creative Director Ash Jacks and choreographer Julieann Nugent. Cirque Bon Bon is not as overwrought visually as a CDS offering and it’s a lot more tongue in cheek – both of which are good things and make it great nighttime, circus/cabaret fare.

Mario, Queen of the Circus (Clarke McFarlane), a circus maestro in his own right, holds it all together as emcee, each appearance another shout out to a song from his idol, Freddie Mercury and his favourite band, Queen. 

His audience participation requirements are more extreme than usual, but he (and his slightly fearful audience sidekicks) pull them off. He’s been doing the schtick for years (and has been in other circus productions here in Melbourne), but the material still works a treat, especially in the cabaret context. He’s the whole package – character, unicycle rider, juggler and general entertainer extraordinaire.

Running straight through (about 80 minutes) without an interval means Cirque Bon Bon stays snappy. Thanks to the variety from the dancers (Jayden Grogan, Holly Super, Hunter-Jai Clist and Tiara Locke), there are really no dull moments. Each time the quartet graces our presence, they change styles – from  contemporary to classical jazz to a fabulous tap routine (to Eye of the Tiger) with consistently decadent costumes and lighting that elevate the short bursts into something really special.

The acts also deliver. Contortionist and foot archery artist Shannen Michaela’s routine surprises with a Guinness Record-holding finale best left as a surprise. Aerial straps acrobat Liam Dummer is in great control of his routine, bringing emotion to very difficult tricks and even using his teeth to hang from his apparatus.

Ashleigh Roper is an equally tenacious aerial acrobat across two tantalising acts. Australian duo Emma Goh and Scott Lazarevich also grace us twice – both difficult offerings showing incredible masteries of their crafts and also the trust involved in being thrown around on roller skates with a centrifugal force driving the action ever faster.

Juggler Cody Harrington has all the hallmarks of a circus pro in an endearing solo act, mixing discs, balls and clubs in a fun and well-paced routine.

Circus is a competitive market. Cirque Bon Bon is a top choice in the mix. It finds the balance of well-paced, high-quality theatrical experience with engaging acts, all wrapped up in a truly enjoyable package appealing to a wide audience.

Catch Cirque Bon Bon for another show coming up in September at the Brisbane Festival.