Another night another Fringe event. With this many shows on it’s hard not to start to get jagged. Lucky for me the extremely high caliber of the shows made that impossible. Take Rouge, the third cabaret show I’d seen in ten days. Just when I thought I’d seen it all there was Rouge.
©The Ponder Room
Billed as “circus for grown ups”, I wasn’t sure how the early afternoon time slot would play out. However the minute the six performers bounced on stage, it was clear there would be no concessions.
©The Ponder Room
The show started off gently, an acrobatic act and a sultry fan-dance with a difference. Both served to warm up the audience and hint at what was to come. Soon after a swing act gave new meaning to the phrase “look mum no hands.” There was also a stack of chairs that defied logic, a cracker of a whip act (sorry), and hand balancing.
©The Ponder Room
One of the more unusual acts showcased the power of a simple lampshade. I won’t say anymore or I’ll spoil the surprise. This was matched in uniqueness with a mind-blowing demonstration of how to walk over men, in case you needed to know.
©The Ponder Room
At various points throughout the show the ring-mistress’s operatic tones projected from the back of the stage. The strength and passion of her voice matched that of the physical acts in front of her.
All the high energy, raunchy action was beautifully rounded out by two stunningly simple (well simple to the eye) performances. One a male acrobat creating statuesque silhouettes while weaving himself around a suspended ring. The other a duet performed in, around, and on top of a giant hoop. Both evoked a dreamy haze and silenced the previously rowdy audience.
All in all, in the current Fringe World infestation of cabaret acts, Rouge is up there as one to look out for.
Where: The Pleasure Garden
Dates: On until February 10th
Duration: 70 minutes
Mild nudity 18+ age restriction
Warning: smoke effects and sexual references
Cost: $34 to $42
For more information go to Fringe World
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