Limbo - The Return | Strut & Fret
All images: Damien Bredberg
Limbo - The Return is a sexy, circus production for adults.
Presented by Brisbane Festival and Strut & Fret, Limbo - The Return is an intoxicating mix of circus, cabaret, acrobatics and live music has been revamped for a new season after its previous success across 17 countries.
My ‘Limbo’ journey began from the moment I arrived at Strut & Fret’s new, purposed built cabaret venue, The West End Electric theatre, on a Friday night. I was greeted warmly at the doors and sat at the VIP high table with a glass of drinks. The special treatment I received made me feel as if I were a high-status celebrity, where everything was meticulously attended to. The interior design was luscious, with a lit marquee stage and Ferris wheel décor on the side, velvet curtains, smoke haze and warm red lighting. It felt as if I was instantly transported into a fancy 1920s dreamscape, nervously anticipating what would emerge from that stage entrance under the continuous thunderous sound.
Being new to the circus scene, I wasn’t sure what to expect - it was only my second time attending a circus cabaret. The closest thing to circus that I have experienced is being a flyer in cheerleading, so I was certainly impressed by the performers, particularly the aerialists. I could only imagine how much core strength and body muscles the performers need to master such jaw-dropping aerial skills. Both artists Ben Loader and David Marco Pintado showcased their exceptional flexibility and balance in the air using slack rope and wire, with each act performed so effortlessly and gracefully.
All images: Damien Bredberg
My personal favorite part of the show was Clara Fable’s fire act. I could feel the heat from my seat in the audience, and I could not take my eyes off it. Her performance was captivating and mesmerising, astounding the audience with her dangerous circus antics. I was blown away by her tricks - how was she able to swallow fire and have fire running over her skin without getting burned?
Limbo – The Return, is pitched to mature audiences, and comes complete with adult-oriented humor, and teases flesh, all for comedic purposes of course. For example, during his tap dance routine, Hilton Denis encouraged audience members to participate in creating the ‘beat’, by ‘moaning’ under his direction. His charm and cheeky facial expressions and physicality in response kept the room laughing throughout the performance. Like Denis, all performers interacted positively with the audience, which helped create a bond in the intimate space.
The innovative and unique sound was one of the stand-out elements in the show. It showcased a unique blend of the eclectic array of instruments, such as the harmonica, bullhorn, sousaphone, polymba and minimoog to create distinctive sound effects that fit perfectly with the show. And I have to mention the marble and glass bowl! I never would have thought a spinning marble in the bowl would exist on a circus stage, but it worked as an instrument that sounded like a cross between a Tibetan singing bowl and an alarm clock, dazzling us together with the sound of amplified breath.
The 100 minutes show left me wanting more. If this was their goal, they certainly succeeded as Limbo: The Return felt to me like it was over in less than 40 minutes. Without spoiling too much, it was an enchanting blend of artistry, music, and acrobatics that was sensual, whimsical, intense, and dangerous. If you fancy a ride into a sinister and sexy circus netherworld that will leave your heart pounding, then ‘Limbo-The Return’ is the perfect show for you.
Limbo - The Return plays 28 August to 30 November at The West End Electric as a part of the 2024 Brisbane Festival.
All images: Damien Bredberg
