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All you need to know about Circa’s Peepshow

The talented Aussie acrobats are back with a phenomenal new production.

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Every Circa show is sensational and Peepshow is no different. The Australian company known for taking the customary circus experience and giving it a twist has once again created an evening of entertainment that’s thrilling, sexy and at times humorous.

Like all of Circa’s productions, Peepshow is filled with acrobatics, balancing and other feats of daring… but it also boasts fantastically funky music, some wacky dancing and an adult-oriented attitude. Go with an open mind as you’re sure to enjoy it!


What is Peepshow?

If you’re thinking of the word “peepshow” in a crude sense, think again. That’s not what Circa’s Peepshow is about. While there are elements of seduction, this show turns traditional cabaret on its head to play with the ideas of watching and being watched.

At Peepshow you’ll see the ensemble of circus artists move in and out of darkness, as well as catch reflections of them through mirrors. It’s breathtaking to watch teetering towers of balanced bodies, extreme contortion and precarious aerial stunts.

Visionary director Yaron Lifschitz says, “I hope that Peepshow is one of those shows that is able to transform people’s expectations, bring new sensibilities with unexpected pleasures, bridge the world between art and entertainment, and create something stirring, fun and powerful.”

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Who stars in Peepshow?

At the forefront of contemporary circus in Australia, Circa has become one of the world’s leading performance companies. Launched in Brisbane in 2004, their talented troupes have toured the world pushing boundaries and blurring the lines between circus, dance and theatre.

For several years now Circa has performed at Underbelly Festival Southbank and for Underbelly at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with incredible shows including Wunderkammer, Beyond, Closer and Humans. Peepshow features some of their finest acrobats and multi-skilled circus artists.

The ensemble is composed of longtime Circa performers like hula-hoop master Jessica Connell, contortionist Jarred Dewey, acrobat Scott Grove and cabaret artist Billie Wilson-Coffey as well as new members Ela Bartilomo, Luke Thomas and David Trappes.

Together they provide an exhilarating night that’s thoroughly entertaining from the beginning through to the very end!


What can audiences expect from Peepshow?

If you like gutsy, circus-style antics with an adult slant, you’ll love Peepshow. Well-structured and surprisingly humorous, it’s also artful and boldly executed.

With so much that’s great about the show, it’s hard to know where to begin.

First off, there’s not a bad seat in the house. Held in The Spiegeltent, you’ll feel like you’re at a theatre in the round. With the audience surrounding the stage, everyone has a good view. Plus, the mirrors lining the outer perimeter add to the immersive experience.

Next, you’ll love Peepshow’s sexy vibe. The costumes have a half-undressed look – think unbuttoned vintage blouses with ruffled necks, lingerie, simple tees and sequined knicker shorts. When combined with the funky music (songs like Sweet Dreams reworked with horns and heavy brass), the effect is surreal.

Of course, the best thing about Peepshow is its cast of seven athlete-meets-circus entertainer types. Fit and flexible, cheeky and freaky, they’re simply captivating on stage.

Circa Peepshow

The show opens with an eye-popping display of hula-hoop mastery by Jessica Connell. With hula hoops spinning around her neck, waist, arms, legs and more, she manages an array of bends and lifts. There’s a moment when she gets four twirling – one from each of her extremities. Amazing!

Jarred Dewey’s superhuman elasticity will have you peeking through the gaps between your fingers. He can contort his body in ways you can’t begin imagine. We even heard one audience member cringe, “that’s not natural.”

The rest of the performers showed off great abilities too – especially while balancing atop each other, swinging from a rope or just getting thrown around. Prepare to be on the edge of your seats for some of these acts. From an impossible-looking headstand (with no hands!) to what can only be described as a weird chicken dance, you’ll be completely awestruck by their strength and stamina.


What are the critics saying?

“A five star favourite” ★★★★★ – The Guardian

“A terrific showcase…superhuman” ★★★★★ – The Times

“Courageous, ground-breaking, risk-taking – these are artist/athletes of the highest order.” – ArtsHub, Australia


What else do I need to know?

Circa is performing Peepshow at the Underbelly Festival Southbank in The Spiegeltent until 18 August 2018.

Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.co.uk.