OBSERVER: La Ronde at Spiegel Haus
In this day and age the word ‘spectacle’ has lost its gravitas but, playing at the Spiegel Haus this summer, the spectacle that is La Ronde captures the true meaning of the word.
In a tried and true formula for a cabaret/circus show, five amazing performers one by one take to the stage.
Interspersed between their performances a comedy artist and a torch song singer keep the entertainment coming through short pieces which tie the whole together.
All seven performers are responsible for their own acts but, overall, Scott Maidment is credited with conceiving and directing the show.
Consisting of two halves separated by a short intermission, the first half is the more successful. It has a great energy and buzz about it which, post-intermission, is never quite matched as some acts are a bit same-ish.
Regardless, the ensemble of seven are wonderful, their truly amazing skills and talents making for a fabulously entertaining evening.
The five main performers are acrobat and cabaret artist Adam Malone, fire-loving provocateur Danik Abishe, pyramid trapeze aerialist Diana Bondarenko, flying pole virtuoso Sergiy Mishchurenko and hair-hanging sensation Zoe Kelly.
Equally important to the success of the evening are comedy artist David Erikson and singer and dancer Dorival Junco. All seven are extraordinary as they ply their particular craft, their prowess and expertise spellbinding and joyful to watch.
Maidment has made a great choice by staging the show la ronde or in the round. Encircled by the audience, the performers have a wonderful air of intimacy about them. He also does a great job of curating the show’s music.
The production team too – especially choreographer Melanie Hawkins, lighting designer Harry O’Meara and creative producer Jess Copas – need acknowledging because such staging presents its own set of challenges and this team meets those challenges with style and pizzazz.
A magnificent achievement, La Ronde is a truly spectacular hit that is sure to be a highlight of the coming summer.
Venue: Spiegel Haus, 217 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Dates and times: Wednesday to Sunday at various times running until end of January 2027
Duration: 90 minutes (plus a 20-minute intermission)
Tickets: $69-149
Bookings: www.spiegelhausmelb.com/laronde
Review by Peter Murphy
Pyramid trapeze aerialist Diana Bondarenko in La Ronde.
Photo: Cameron Grant