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Circus Oz Cranked up
Circus Oz is an institution in Australia and are also
celebrating their 35th birthday as they shared their unique circus
larrikinism with the world. To celebrate their 35th birthday, they have
returned to their home city of Melbourne as they present their latest
show Cranked Up that features some of the strangest, funniest and most
bizarre circus stunts to have graced the Birrarung Marr Big Top.
With
around 12 performers and several people working backstage, Circus Oz
Cranked Up is hosted by Mark, a true blue aussie who plays a
Construction Worker in the show. His unique humour helps set the mood
for the presentation, not to mention some amusing air guitar playing and
a red kangaroo suit.
Ensemble © Rob
Blackburn
Another key character in Cranked Up is Flip
who plays fitness guru Fantaysia and is joined by her "son" Tay Tay
(Kai) in some very impressive stunts and human juggling acts. However
when it comes to juggling balls and other strange items, Hazel is the
Queen who successfully juggles four balls and even a table with her
feet. Bizarre but true!
But Circus Oz is not just about the circus
stunts as music plays a key role to Cranked Up which is led by Carl who
plays a myriad of instruments. Joining Carl in the band is Bec the
Drummer, Ania the keyboardist (& other instruments) and sometimes Hazel
and Jez who also lend both their comedy and stunt skills to this
outlandish show.
MarkSheppard © Rob Blackburn
To compliment Fantaysia and her crew of
acrobats is Dez (Dale), Jez, Stevee, Tay Tay plus Mason and Shane who
must be seen to be believed. Shane performs some truly deft defying
spins and other awe inspiring tricks. Although his cupid character is a
little creepy. Mason on the other is another
anomaly who not only catches people on his shoulders but does this must
see human trapeze act with Fantaysia.
Up Toss The Girl - Kai, Dale
& Amy © Rob Blackburn
From a spectacular opening to a
variety of stunts, tricks and comedic events, Circus Oz could be
considered the "Bad Uncle" of Cirque de Soleil in terms of their
weird performances that borders more on bogan than fine arts... not
that there is anything wrong with Bogans as somehow it works
successfully in this show.
Foot Juggling - Hazel Bock © Rob Blackburn
Final Thoughts?
Circus Oz Cranked Up is a show that is
busting with circus content plus a healthy dose of humour, comedy
plus music and best
of all, Circus Oz Cranked Up opens just in time for the school holidays.
This performance is definitely child friend in terms of its contents
and comedic routines which can be enjoyed the whole family. One downside of the comedy in Circus Oz is that
some people may consider it a little juvenile but when you look at the
clowns throughout history, this is what their humour is about but Circus
Oz is definitely 100% Australian.
Nonetheless, Circus Oz Cranked Up is a
wondrous show that not only celebrates Australia but promotes diversity,
social justice and a good time for all. Indeed it does and if you need a
good night out, this is the solution!
Teeterboard - Shane, Mason,
Kai & Flip © Rob Blackburn
For more information, check out -
www.circusoz.com
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