Sydney Reviews

With a cast of 40 champion acrobats from Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, Mongolia and Russia Le Grand Cirque Aerial Dreams transformed the Sydney Opera House into a fun house of amazing stunts, athletic prowess and aerial wizardry.

Thrilling acts included contortionists, a nine bungee aerial troupe, solo and group trapeze artists, 14 performers balanced on a bicycle, hundreds of fantastical coloured lights and incredibly a magical cloud swing. 

The Concert Hall showcased a large stage with a catwalk, where the Master of Ceremonies began the evening by inviting audience members to participate with him in various acts of mischief.  Later after divesting himself of his boxer shorts he proceeded to climb into a large balloon headfirst.  After several attempts and much jumping up and down, the balloon became a suit, which was very comical indeed.  A picnic style rendezvous had a female audience member avoiding his advances. She was offered chocolate only to find herself faced with stolen liberties via kisses.

A thrilling stunt by a male performer, balanced on a ladder, carrying two contortionists on his shoulders, was a remarkable celebration of human potential. A magical cloud swing similar to a trapeze saw daredevil, Natalie Harris ride the swing13 metres high above the stage.  Flying tremendously fast Natalie executed a series of feats that left both the audience and Harris energised by the experience.

What caught my attention the most however was the gold clad ballerina performing Swan Lake, as I have never seen it done before. Variations Classique Ballerina featured a delicate ballerina on her pointes, balanced on top of one performers head. This act proved both masterful and sheer ingenuity.

Le Grand Cirque Aerial Dreams is an extravaganza of circus skills where feats of strength, incredible precision and perfect timing are critical elements in the execution of many amazing stunts. As each act was executed the audience responded with gasps of fear, awe and amazement. Many a comment ushered, how did they do that?

Le Grand Cirque Aerial Dreams is an engaging night of entertainment created for all the family to enjoy. The audience were continually kept on the edge of their seats as they were treated to a visual feast of awe-inspiring stunts and musical delights. Adding to the drama of this remarkable stage production was an orchestra hidden amongst the colourful sprinkle of lights.

The tension and energy created throughout the performance was engaging in every moment. The originality and sheer athleticism of the performers inspired awe in the imagination of a very appreciative audience.


Sydney Opera House presents
Aerial Dreams
Le Grand Cirque
 
Venue: Concert Hall
Dates: 5 - 18 January
Prices: Weekday Matinees: Adults $59, Concession $54, Child $44, Family/Groups $176
Other performances: Adults $79, Concession $74, Child $49, Family/Groups $230
Bookings: (02) 9250 7777 or online at sydneyoperahouse.com