By Kinetica

30th January 2016

Review by Natasha Bloomfield

WA-based Kinetica’s Dark Matter is a stunning display of contemporary circus and aerial dance that interacts with theories of astrophysics and the nature of the universe. Intense live music and amazing lighting combine with breathtaking visual acts to create a performance that will leave Fringe-goers dizzy and breath-taken.

A stand-out performance is the solo aerial act. Performed as Eskmo’s “Cloudlight” pumps around a tent bathed in yellow and purple light, a performer dances and handstands whilst spinning through the air in a net suspended a foot off the ground. It is one of several performances that highlights the ‘mysterious gravitational effects’ the show seeks to explore.

Another outstanding moment is when a high-wire performer ascends a man-made mountain into a heavenly firmament of silks suspended from the roof. Meanwhile, an eclectic trio wearing animal masks take over the stage. Rebecca McMahon’s performance on the aerial hoop is also no less than mesmerising as she spins to Lorde’s cover of “Retrograde.”

The circus is a satisfying mix of solo and group performances. It has stunts that will make you hold your breath – such as when a performer intentionally plummets towards the stage – and others that will make you wonder if gravity affects everyone the same.

A beautiful balance of strength, flexibility, and freedom, Dark Matter adds a crucial spark to this season of Fringe.

Dark Matter runs from January 27 – February 1 at The West Australian Spiegeltent at the Pleasure Garden. You can catch more of Kinetica with their show Sinsuality,February 15 – 21. Tickets available here.

As the show begins we are introduced to our host, Chris Henry, a Scottish comedian whose booming and energetic voice promises a night of acts from around the world. With a new line-up every night, Monday’s performance featured Irishman Rory O’Hanlon, Englishman Brennan Reece, and home-grown Queenslander Jacques Barrett.

Together the four cover an extensive array of topics – from politics and national identity to homophobia, relationships, and the online world. All topics are tastefully skewed towards the audience, provided you’re encouraging of swearing. And yes, whilst there is audience participation, the large crowd makes it unlikely you will be called upon. If that’s your thing, pick a seat near the front.

Each set is equally strong, yet clearly distinct; made memorable by its own comedic flavour. O’Hanlon, conscious of his Irish identity, pokes fun at Australians, naming us the “dog on the surfboard for the rest of the world.” Reece brings a youthful twist to his comedy, sending audiences chuckling with his visual gags with the microphone to represent explicit body parts. However, judging by the audience’s response, nothing beats Barrett’s impression of his father; whistling, head tilting and tongue poking is all I’ll say here.

If there were to be any flaw, it would be that each set – including the host’s – could easily have run for twice as long as it did.

A light-hearted night of continental fun and laughs, Best of Edinburgh Comedy is a fantastic taste of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, to be consumed without ever leaving Perth.

Best of Edinburgh Comedy runs from January 24 – February 20 at The Court Hotel Dance Floor on Beaufort Street, Perth. Tickets available here.