The Infamous circus tent is a beacon in Ellis Park, on Adelaide's West Terrace, right next door to Adelaide High. The massive purpose built Spiegel big-top houses the Ashton Family touring circus. The circus was acquired by James Henry Ashton in 1850, and today is run by 6th generation Ashtons and is now known as Circus Joseph Ashton.
Entering the big top, one can feel the history within the canvas walls. Cast members serve behind the bar and concessions stands, as well as ushering and greeting. Buttered popcorn smells too delicious to leave behind and cocktails are served in cups with inbuilt glow sticks. "Jessie's Dick" is a popular cocktail for some reason that becomes clearer during the show.
Settling into the seats surrounding the stage, it's impossible not to miss the giant Wheel of Steel centre stage. A song and dance routine with hand standing acrobats starts the show with an energy level that is maintained throughout the entire two hours of the production. Characters also wander through the audience, an amusing diversion.
The action begins with the Wheel of Steel as two performers stand inside each of the giant rings and then rotate the entire structure by walking inside them. The expert level increases as they then perform juggling acts, ride an unicycle and more. Before long there is a performer on the outside of the ring. Variously blindfolded, skipping, carrying another performer on their shoulders, forward flips; the tricks became increasingly spectacular and dangerous. This is all without a safety net and the tension in the crowd is palpable. Plenty of oohs, ahhhs and shocked gasps from the audience.
Fortunately, the tricks were not all high stress as there was plenty of light entertainment and distractions as the equipment was packed up ready for the rest of the show. It wasn't long before we were treated to Jessie's Dick in real life, in quite a comical way. Aerial trapeze artists dazzled, acrobats shone with incredible displays of strength, song and dance routines entertained, comedy sketches made everyone laugh; the whole gamut of circus performances was on display.
The performers were sexy, funny, skilled in their craft and clearly love entertaining audiences. The show really is in their blood. From thrills and spills to comedic light relief, the balance was just right. You had to keep a keen eye out because you never quite knew where the next excitement was coming from. It was raunchy but in a good natured way.
During the short interval, the cast then became attendants again, before the second half started. After more dancing and aerial acrobatics, the finale was the flying trapeze. With a safety net assembled below, it was clear that this would be a dangerous spectacle. Rikki Ashton is one of the few people who can perform the triple flip, with 400 under his sequined belt.
The cast members great the audience outside and chat and pose for photos. It's obvious that the circus is their life blood and their passion shows, earning the #1 selling Fringe Show spot. Circus at its best.