Mario cuts a striking figure in a tight leather ensemble, studded with rhinestones, and reminiscent of his idol Freddie Mercury. He is the ringmaster of this one-man show, eager to show us his crown jewels. Fortunately, (or not, depending on your preferences) his crown jewels are local and international female performers — Liz Skitch, Tiger Lil, Kellie Vella, Helen Cassidy, Imogen Kelly, Alex Mizzen, Tami Dawson and Michelle Grant-Iramu — demonstrating their own special talents.
These jewels really shine. From circus to comedy, these eight performers have something for everyone, no matter your taste. But like any burlesque line-up, it won’t all appeal equally.
The show strikes a good balance, exploring the grace and skills of the dancers and circus performers on the line-up, while interspersing this with bold and bawdy comedy. It flows easily from one performance to the next, with Mario the thread which binds it all together.
Mario is the creation of Clarke McFarlane, an American circus legend who’s taken his character all over the world since 2005. He performs very few of his own tricks, but those he does are spectacular and hilarious. His satirically sexist banter is mostly on target, though may not sit right with all audience members.
Following directly on from She Would Walk the Sky, another circus-based show, the team takes advantage of the staging provided, with one act performed on a high platform. The most mesmerising moment comes from above, in the form of a breathtaking double lyra (aerial hoop) act, with graceful feats of strength from Dawson and Grant-Iramu. However, most of the large stage remains empty as the performers stand close to the front on a low platform.
Tiger Lil and Vella get what may be the biggest laughs of the night with a subversive magic double act. Tiger Lil has some other spectacular skills, and really sparks the attention of the audience. Even the burlesque takes unexpected turns, to provide interest in what could otherwise be a formulaic show. And throughout, Mario gets the crowd revved up, as any good ringmaster should, in his own slick style.
Rating: 3 ½ out of 5 stars
Mario: Queen of the Circus Presents His Crown Jewels
Produced by Clarke McFarlane (USA)
Featuring performances by The Crown Jewels: Liz Skitch, Tiger Lil, Kellie Vella, Helen Cassidy, Imogen Kelly, Alex Mizzen, Tami Dawson, Michelle Grant-Iramu
Turbine Platform, Brisbane Powerhouse
World Theatre Festival
www.brisbanepowerhouse.org
14 and 22 February
