The award-winning Three High Acrobatics bring us their show Knock Off, a high-energy, hilarious contemporary circus act following three tradies on an ‘average’ work day. Donning fluro wife-beaters, the three tradies convert a work-site into a place for circus tricks and slap-stick comedy. Hammers are juggled, ladders are dived through and fighting between the blokes turn into a chance to show off their impressive acrobatic tricks and balancing acts. These tradies will show you that a broom is more than just a sweeping device.

The show’s plot loosely parodies The Block and uses the reality show’s structure for scene changes, although a segment on guttering can quickly transcend into a contemporary dance scene – just don’t expect to pick up any renovation tips. But the plot is irrelevant to this contemporary circus extravaganza; it is the vertigo-inducing stunts which had the full-house at The Gasworks Theatre cheering in raptures.

Knock Off is suitable for all ages, with boredom being impossible with the variation in the show choreographed perfectly to the fast-beats of pop and rock tunes constantly demanding the audience’s attention. There is little dialogue but the personalities of the tradies are conveyed through the versatility of their body language and facial expressions; the clear characters of the cocky gym junkie, the reformed hippy and the Japanese ninja bleed through.

The performers are not just incredibly skilled acrobatics but also great mates – they are clearly comfortable in executing complex and dangerous circus tricks and there is a sense of ease in the way they move around one another. I was also happy to see that the hula hoop still has a place in circus acts with Chris Carlos showing off his talents to the moving number ‘Time after Time’.

This not your conventional circus. The open category of ‘contemporary’ allows the Three High Acrobatics to mesh their favourite tricks, dance and skills into a unique show to convey their huge talent. The result is addictive and entertaining – the only disappointment was that the 45-minute show had to end.

Knock Off runs until 6 October at Gasworks Theatre. Tickets are $25 full-price and $20 concession. (Group tickets are $20 per person for 4 people).