Rouge: A Phenomenally Flirtatious Adults Only Circus And Cabaret Show ~ Adelaide Fringe 2020 Review

[CIRCUS & PHYSICAL THEATRE/Cabaret ~ VIC] Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent at Gluttony, Sun 23 Feb. Boasting beautiful velvet (looking) ceilings and walls with twisted poles aplenty, Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent looks like a traditional fair ride, the carousel. This is the delightfully stunning venue for the charismatic, captivating and enthralling circus/cabaret Rouge. Produced by Highwire Entertainment and returning to Adelaide fringe for a third year in a row. The host turn acrobat could only be heard and not initially seen as he was at the side of the venue, because not starting on stage ‘so fringe’, at which point the audience were given some house rules and enlightened as to some of what could be expected. Five acrobats plus one exceptionally talented, operatic singer adorned in a flowing Rouge dress, topped with crimson lips and a truly striking headpiece. The performance began with a feathery, humorous, comedic dance before a slight tease of his vest stripped off revealing some defined pecks. After some extra flirtatious dancing, two couples enter. The two girls are thrown around and caught almost effortlessly, yet seamlessly by their male counterparts. The girls must have immense trust their partners! I dare say they practice religiously otherwise they would hit the floor!! The spectacle continued with astonishing acrobatic skills and pure strength exhibited through aerial acrobatics; on an aerial hoop and an aerial swing, where it became tremendously evident of the performers prestigious muscle tone. Muscles again explode when the Cyr wheel (a giant steel hoop) appeared; dancing with the Cyr wheel is no easy feat, let alone performing with one on your own. Imagine two people using bodyweight propulsion with the Cyr wheel… and I’m left wonder if the acrobats are ever left with vertigo symptoms after doing what they do! The breathtaking, astonishing and flamboyant production proceeded with hand balancing on three fixed poles, parading incredible agility and contortionism. Next, on to staff twirling with fire, performed with such precision and accuracy, one can only question how the performers do not burn themselves twirling the fire wands so close to their clothes and hair! And let’s not forget the stack of three chairs teetering upon one another, including a courageous audience member asked to sit upon three chairs. The tower was then added to making a five chair teetering tower, with a trick perfectly executed atop! This show is Adults Only as it does contains some minor nudity, but if you are able to or can get a babysitter, get along to this phenomenal circus/cabaret show. An absolute must see at this year’s Adelaide Fringe! 5 stars                                                                                                          Belinda James Rouge continues at Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent at Gluttony, at various times, until Sun 15 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe #Gluttony2020 #ROUGE Presented by Highwire Entertainment