Plenty of thrills and skills

LIMBO: UNHINGED Strut & Fret Productions Spiegeltent Hobart Until April 1

THE original formula was so successful, so why stray too far? Tasmanian audiences — like audiences everywhere — were thrilled by the sexy party vibe of the original rock ’n’ roll circus cabaret Limbo, the headline act of Speigeltent 2016. Now with Limbo: Unhinged all the key elements return. It’s not so much a fresh new show, more Part Two.

On one level that works just fine. The Limbo formula has a lot going for it: a high-energy soundtrack of beats, overlaid by live drums, flute, harmonica and beat-boxing; dazzling physical theatre skills, from a fire-breathing swordswallower to contortionists, tap dancing and a brazen quartet on sway pole.

This is also circus for grown-ups, and half the entertainment is the parade of superbly conditioned performers who vogue gloriously in their leather, fur and Lycra, the accidental “stumble’’ into the lap of the front row all part of the risque fun.

However, the show did struggle to land a finale the night I saw it, a hint perhaps that a structure, theme or overall rhythm for the show has remained elusive. Mikael Bres’s terrific naive clown, the set design with its two red doors, and the nod to steampunk costuming were all promising ideas, but quickly moved on.

That may well be fitting for a show and a brand that is perhaps more the thrill of carnival parade, of mardi gras. And on those terms, Unhinged guarantees a fun night out indeed.