A circus troupe and drag artist join forces in a fitting tribute to a pop superstar, writes Michelle White.
Reviews/Circus/Music
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3 February 2022
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P!nk: The Circus, BarbieQ and Kinetica ·
Planet Royale, 2 February 2022 ·
Perth drag artist BarbieQ and local circus company Kinetica first joined forces at Fringe World last year, paying tribute to music icon Madonna. It’s safe to say, then, that this team is not afraid to go big.
This time around their homage is to another musical superstar, P!nk.
Not only is P!nk an internationally successful music artist, she’s a former gymnast known for her highly athletic arena spectaculars, complete with daredevil aerial acrobatics.
Having been to one of P!nk’s shows and listing it as one of my all-time favourite concert experiences, I go in to P!nk: The Circus with trepidation. It’s a bloody hard act to emulate.
But to use the words of P!nk herself, Kinetica’s performers are like “Glitter in the Air” and “F*ckin’ perfect”.
The dancers and acrobats not only meet the challenge, they nail it.
Aerial acrobatics, contortionists, pole dancing, solos and non-stop gymnastics are delivered with humour, grace, poignancy and athleticism – all underscored by a selection of P!nk’s greatest hits. Outstanding.
They had my plus one and I clapping, fist pumping and jiggling in our seats so much, her fitness watch recorded a solid 30-minute workout.
One particular highlight is the song “Just Like Fire”, which features an Alice in Wonderland themed dance performed around a contortionist, whose elegantly eye-popping body manipulations had me smiling and squirming in equal measure.
The role of P!nk is performed by Perth drag legend BarbieQ, who lip-syncs most of the songs and keeps us on edge with her dance routines performed on dangerously high heels.
Given P!nk’s reputation as a such bold and feisty performer, and BarbieQ’s reputation as a diva-entertainer, it would be wonderful to see some verbal energy in the show, perhaps some cheeky banter between songs.
I was also left wanting more direct interaction between Pink’s character and the acrobats – it does happen, but perhaps a bit too late and not enough.
Nonetheless the show is a lot of fun and was well received by a very appreciative opening night audience.
“Raise Your Glass” and welcome to the “Funhouse”!
P!nk: The Circus continues until 6 February, 2022
Pictured top: BarbieQ and members of the Kinetica Haydn Shadforth, Kade Sweeney, Kenisha Yam and Elysha Atwell. Photo: Ultimate Imagery
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