Review by Yasmin Elahi
Cirque Bon Bon returned to the South Bank Piazza for Brisbane Festival this year. Titled ‘Le Retour’, the seductive, jaw-dropping show conceived by former Cirque Du Soleil Assistant Creative Director Ash Jacks and choreographer Juliann Nugent has sold out for 2024, proving that Brisbane audiences love the glitz and glamour of a high-class circus.
The sixty-minute show was emceed by Mario Queen of the Circus, whose easy rapport and witty banter charmed the audience, even when they were being lured on stage to participate. His unicycle and juggling abilities were impressive, proving Mario was more than just a comedic host.
Aerial artists soared above the audiences on lyra and silks – pushing boundaries as they combined contemporary dance movements and daring stunts.
Contortionist Shannen Michaela was disturbingly brilliant as she performed body-twisting stunts and even shot a bow and arrow with her feet, which has earned her a Guinness world record.
Cyr Wheel artist Alexandre Lane defied the laws of physics and gravity as he became one with his wheel, effortlessly commanding it to twist and turn at his whim.
To round out the performance, Emma Goh and Scott Reynolds of Duo Synergy knocked it out of the park with their skate performance. The trust and connection between the pair is second to none and they closed the show with a memorable and highly risky performance.
Particularly notable was the lighting design, which was incredibly complex, fast-paced and perfectly automated to underscore and enhance the drama of the performance.
Overall, Cirque Bon Bon was a high-energy, entertaining pocket rocket of a performance. Though the running time is short, this show makes up for it by being jam-packed with varied and captivating acts, woven together with a charismatic emcee and a sprinkling of audience interaction. Hopefully, this show will become a staple of the Brisbane Festival line up for many years to come.
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