Circus Oz: Here, There and Everywhere!, at Melbourne Town Hall

Poise, precision and humour are the hallmarks of this latest Circus Oz production to hit the main stage at Melbourne Town Hall.

It is all about acrobatic artistry and clownishness, melded into a family friendly, hour-long show.

Gold and frilly costuming seems to be the order of the day as 11 performers, including a lively two-piece band, take to the stage.

Photos by Ian Sutherland

Among those on show, for Claire Bindoff spinning a few silver hula hoops is never enough.

For her, more is more, especially when she is spread eagled twirling hoops from her extremities.

There is one-upmanship aplenty when eight take to the high bar to perform the flying trapeze.

They appear to cascade through the air with ease, until the equipment collapses from under them (I can only presume as part of the show).

Hannah Richards literally flips her lid (you will understand what I mean if you see this production) when she is about to be strung up by the hair.

Two join forces to cut an audience member in half, only for the latter to emerge intact. 

A horse is a horse until it becomes only half a horse for the neigh-sayers in a piece of slapstick comedy.

A slick table becomes a perfect vehicle for artists to begin slip sliding away.

Mozes makes roller skating stunt work look so easy.

And now to my favourite act. Sharon Gruenert and Leo Pentland are a pair of mismatched in height trapeze artists who act as counterweights as they expertly swing and balance.

The tolling of human bells is another high point in the show – three are in sync, while a fourth is a Johnny-come-lately, who doesn’t quite have it.

If you are after some rope climbing and tricks, look no further than the dexterity of Mozes. 

The final act is pure, delicious chaos as a performer is run into the ground ensuring first five, then nine and, finally, even more plates on sticks are kept spinning in sync.

All this while popcorn and water are spilt.

It is the perfect ending to a show in which the performers have fun alongside the audience.

Directed by Nicci Wilks, Circus Oz: Here, There and Everywhere! is on at Melbourne Town Hall until 18^th April, 2026.

It is part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

For tickets, go to https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/here-there-and-everywhere/