Chloé Charody’s ‘The Carnival’ is a circus opera, an innovative show where classical music and singing is intermingled throughout a three-act performance that also features contortionists, fire-eaters and aerial acrobats.

Whilst the performance is quirky and entertaining at times, it lacks any clear direction or narrative, and therefore fails to allow its audience to become truly immersed within the world of the show. The intended-to-be humorous opening where the lead singer sings about how it ‘sucks’ to be her, falls rather flat, and a later piece featuring two singing mermaids in fat suits consequently meets the same fate.

What the show excels in providing is stunning aerial acrobatics which, when paired with the haunting piano and violin melodies of Charody’s score, succeeds in creating quite a moving and poignant performance. The atmospheric lighting also contributes to the beauty created in such segments, and the minimal set design does not detract from the performance.

Another definite highlight is the elaborate costumes that help in creating a sense of the characters featured in the performance, despite the lack of existing plot. The costume worn by violinist Sonja Schebeck is particularly memorable and separates her from the other performers as a quirky and eccentric marionette doll that you can’t seem to keep your eyes off. In fact it is Schebeck’s performance which truly shines through, thanks to her exquisite musical talent on the violin, and her successful creation of a character that exudes an incomparable stage presence. The rest of the all female cast is certainly talented too, seemingly never hitting a wrong note in their singing or acrobatics.

Overall, ‘The Carnival’ feels as though it could benefit from the removal of segments where acrobatics are not the focus. The more ‘whacky’ aspects of the performance seem unnecessary and tend to cheapen the production in a way that fails to entertain or amuse. One reviewer has accurately described the show as a cross between Tim Burton and operas by George Bizet, but those who aren’t a fan of the bizarre elements are likely to deem the show, simply, too weird.