This year’s circus programme at London’s Underbelly Festival has been truly spectacular and they’ve definitely saved the most raunchy, outrageous show for last.
Rouge, by Australia’s Highwire Entertainment, is one of the most ‘adult’ circus-cabaret shows that I’ve seen and it’s impossible not to be seduced by this charismatic group. The genre-defying show explores sex and relationships, from flirty silliness to the intricacies of sexual politics, and prides itself on a narrative of diversity and inclusion.
Choreographer and performer Paul Westbrook sets the tone for the evening by encouraging the audience to let loose and be inspired by the debauchery that is about to unfold, including the promise of nakedness.
The show begins with a bang as the group appears altogether with the acrobats immediately leaping and balancing, leading on to Paul’s ironic burlesque feather dance to Shirley Bassey’s Hey Big Spender. He’s a lovable chameleon who weaves the scenes together with skill, prowling and cantering around the stage, and his own routines are flawless.
The mesmerising Issie Hart is a goddess-like vision in red, performing an impressive operatic aria. The sophistication continues with Jessie Mckibbin twirling on the trapeze in a red dress that’s soon cast off for something racier. Her cyr wheel routine with Lyndon Johnson is also elegant and lovely, as they glide around the stage together coquettishly like young lovers.
Issie’s vocals switch seamlessly from operatic cabaret to soulful jazz when she performs Norah Jones’ Turn Me On to accompany a lonely ‘lamp’ waiting for that special someone. Also poignant is Lyndon and Paul’s strap routine, showing aggression, playfulness and a lot of chemistry. From here onwards, Rouge becomes more intense, sexy and high-octane.
I won’t spoil the surprise for you too much, but as the show reaches peak naughtiness, both the male and female ‘lamps’ get naked while Jessie Mckibbin dominates and whips her unruly, leather-clad unicorn boys and finds a cheeky use for a carrot.
It’s hard to pick a favourite scene, but I loved Jessie’s fire routine, spinning blazing hot batons and rolling the flames down her body. An impressive end to the show is Madison Burleigh’s nimble acrobatics as she balances upside down and leaps between the strong and focussed Liam deJong and Lydon Johnson.
Rouge is the show that has it all – mind-blowing acrobatics, incredible live singing, an engaging cast, cheeky humour and a positive message. It’s just so likeable and you really feel part of their hedonistic party.
Rouge runs at Underbelly Festival until 7th July. For more information and booking, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com
All images by Ian Georgeson
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