Spiegelworld present Empire

In a month which sees numerous circus and cabaret acts performing in Sydney, Empire by Spiegelworld is a show which transcends both genres. Situated in the atmospheric and deceptively large Spiegeltent in Moore Park, the show combines burlesque, cabaret, vaudeville and acrobatics, accompanied by a stellar live music set.

Featuring performers from across the globe, including Russia and Ethiopia, Empire consists of twelve unique acts, presented by the hilarious ‘husband-and-wife’ team of Oscar and Fanny. It opens on a whimsical note, as Miss A in A Bubble contorts within a clear perspex bauble suspended above the stage. The release of thousands of bubbles into the audience is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The dreamy atmosphere is replaced in the next act by the hilarious, quick-change costume routine of hosts Oscar and Fanny, featuring a degree of male nudity that’s almost customary in the Spiegeltent by now.

Over the next eighty-odd minutes, the crowd is treated to an eclectic range of performers.  There’s the beautiful Gorilla Girls, whose human pyramid formations and balancing routine are accompanied by facial expressions and style to rival Charlie’s Angels, followed by the first of two performances by 3D Graffiti Guy, whose ability to balance inanimate objects is almost magical. Polka Dot Woman and Blue Tarpolean perform a roller-skating routine, there’s foot-juggling by Black Flintstone and Big Mac Boy, while Carrot Man and Lime Green Lady engage in a dangerously sensual, gravity-defying dance. Throughout the evening, music is provided by the coolest guitarist in town, Moondog, with star singer Miss Purple, whose vocal range is astonishing.

As always, some acts are stronger than others. The chemistry between Carrot Man and Lime Green Lady in Hand to Hand is believable and touching, while Oscar and Fanny create the feeling of a different ‘couples’ relationship through hilarious banter. The penultimate piece, ‘Branch Balance’ by 3D Graffiti Guy is a truly stunning, meditative experience accompanied by ethereal music. Miss A in A Bubble’s contortion routine was well-placed in the first act; her reappearance later on laboured the point a little. Similarly, the roller-skating routine became repetitive towards the end. The changeover between performers is swift and the hosts, unlike many at similar events, add their own hilarious twist to the evening with several entertaining routines, including a burlesque performance with an unsuspecting audience member.

Empire previously boasted sold-out shows in New York and returns to Sydney for a second year running. Their experience is obvious. Most performers hardly break a sweat as they spin on the tiny stage at awe-inducing speeds. Several times on opening night, the audience was reminded of the precarious nature of their positions, as minor slips were witnessed within the Foot-juggling and Banquine acts. On both occasions, the artists recovered within a fraction of a second and the routine continued. The performance soundtrack is perfectly chosen and executed so well that one sometimes forgets it’s Miss Purple’s powerful voice belting out the tunes from behind the stage. Lighting and smoky effects are also effectively utilised to create a cabaret lounge atmosphere.

Featuring a healthy amount of sexual innuendo and striptease, Empire is truly a modern circus for adults. Its wide variety of acts should satisfy almost all tastes.

Rating: 4 stars out of 5