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80s Mixtape is back this Fringe season for yet another unmissable high energy, aerial acrobatic show. This time, the show is set to iconic chart toppers of the 80s!
Bring on the neon, lycra and acid wash denim, I was enthralled from start to finish.
Kaleido Company are undoubtedly masters of their craft, bringing us such acts as a completely blindfolded aerial silks routine, complete with heart-stopping drops.
Another memorable act was a duo on rollerskates who performed an intricately choreographed routine a couple of metres up in the air on a cube-shaped trapeze. The precision involved to avoid getting their limbs entangled, not to mention their flexibility and strength, were truly impressive.
Without giving too much of my age away, I was thrilled with the well-curated 80s ballads throughout the show. It included bangers like Queen’s Under Pressure and I Want to Break Free, Prince’s Purple Rain, Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill, the iconic Mickey by Toni Basil, and of course, Madonna’s Like A Prayer.
Not only were the performers’ aerial artistry top notch, the extremely charming host, Andrew Silverwood, left audiences engaged from start to finish with his funny antics, wit and personality in between costume and set changes. With just the right mix of audience interaction to feel included in the action, he was as much an integral part of the show as the circus performers. When he came out on stage dressed a la Freddie Mercury in white singlet and jeans to do the legendary “Day-O” call and response, it made this particular Queen-loving reviewer so happy.
What stood out to me was the company ran a tight ship. Not only was every minute of their show enjoyable, the obvious camaraderie between the performers made them a joy to watch.
Hot tip: Look out for the cameo by Pac-Man and one of the Ghosts.
Do yourself a favour and bring your big hair energy or mullet to watch this standout 5-star show.