Club Swizzle

Remember when circus was something you suffered through in the summer holidays, going with your parents even though you were too old, and the big top set up on the local sports oval was far too hot?

Thank goodness then, for the circus revolution powered by shows such as La Soiree, turning circus into a decidedly adults only affair. Club Swizzle, La Soiree’s new little cousin, takes things even further.

Instead of just giving you the thumbs up to bring drinks into the show, Club Swizzle centres all of its action around the bar. From selling Gin Swizzles before the show to hosting all manner of kabarett and acrobatic performances, the bar is this show’s biggest star. But don’t worry, the performers aren’t far behind. The Swizzle Boys really do get heart rates racing and not just because of their looks (although Ben Lewis’ shoulders deserve a show all their own!). Their acrobatic skills are truly astounding and appreciated all the more, because we get to see the hard work behind what they’re doing. Movin’ Melvin Brown is a toe-tapping throwback to the golden era of song and dance men while Valerie Murzak shimmers in her second half mirror ball routine and comedian Murray Hill does a great job of teasing the audience into the kind of loose, relaxed mood a show like this needs.

And the best part of Club Swizzle, while it’s great now, is it’s just going to keep getting better as everyone settles in. A new Sydney summer must-see.

Sydney Opera House Studio to 15 Feb