CIRCUS
KNOCK OFF
Lunar Circus Big Top, Rooftop Movies

Review: Jordan Nix

The boys from Knock Off have really been knocked around recently, making their debut in Perth quite a spectacular feat. Just two days earlier, performer Chris Carlos was in hospital being treated for burns from a fire-twirling accident. Bandaged up and sporting a few battle scars, he tackles every trick with absolute gusto.

It’s not until the end of the show that the nature of his injuries is revealed. He also assures us that Perth has an outstanding burns unit. If that wasn’t enough for the boys to have to worry about, it was only Jonny Dutaillis’ second-ever show, having recently replaced another member of the Three High Acrobatics team. Along with Sam Aldham, the trio have created a show that’s a whole lot of fun.

Presented as a mock-reality renovation show, the boys’ mission is to create a contemporary circus show. So begins a series of quirky, daring and perplexing acts all carried by their energy and Aussie-bloke charm.

The show takes a moment to find its feet but when it does, it’s a real treat. Adlham excels at his aerial performance and has a ball of fun with the choreographed boy band sequence, however an acoustic rendition of Chris Franklin’s Bloke and its accompanying chair routine felt slightly out of place. A highlight of the show is Carlos’ stunning routine with a two headed broom. In a show filled with blokey humour and high-octane stunts, the sophistication and beauty of the routine is amplified. There’s even a love story between Adlham and Carlos and their innuendo-filled routine hits you at full force, taking good taste to the limit.

It’s unknown how much of the show had to be changed due to Dutaillis’ inclusion, but the “apprentice” is an eager team member who is thrown in the air, hurled at ladders and flips his away across stage.
The teeterboard and finale is impressive, showcasing where the Three High name of the group comes from.

There’s a real spirit to the backyard nature of the show. Coupled with the incredible journey leading up to the performance, Knock Off is a show worth seeing.

Knock Off runs until February 8 and is part of Fringe World 2013.