Amazing feats planned for circus festival weekend

It’s almost time for a packed two days of circus, comedy, cabaret and music as organisers prepare to open the gates to Karnidale, the WA Circus Festival.

Kicking off from 2pm on Friday January 17, the two day entertainment extravaganza will take place at the purpose-built festival venue in Karridale.

Co-organiser Louise Moss said this year, the hardworking team were delivering “a festival like no other”.

“This year amongst the 92 acts performing, we are announcing the first ever appearance of ‘Circus OZ’, showcasing their ‘Non Stop’ show to the WA festival audience.”

Directed by acclaimed circus extraordinaire Nikki Wilkes, ‘Non Stop’ is a feast of energetic comedy and clowning, world class acrobatics, skipping, bows and arrows, beauty, muscles, music with flying trapeze, juggling, slapstick, crazy antics and dare-deviling from an eclectic, multigenerational ensemble.

The show was a sell out at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and will tour the east coast before heading to New York at the end of the year. This weekend’s performances on Friday and Saturday will include a world famous stunt, deemed ‘the most dangerous’ of all circus acts. It will be the very first time it has been performed at the Western Australian Circus Festival.

“A stunt like no other, performed by Circus Oz’s wisest and most graceful artist, 67 year old Deb Batton, who came out of retirement to perform in the show. See it at the festival, it may be a once only opportunity and may not be repeatable!”

Founded in 1978, Circus Oz was one of the first contemporary circus art companies and is now based in Melbourne, on Wurundjeri land. The group has grown from a grass roots circus group to a major performance company, bringing elements of theatre, satire, rock’n’roll and uniquely Australian humour.

They are also known for their ongoing social justice agenda, addressing women’s issues, humanitarian subjects and indigenous rights.

“They bring together something awe inspiring through their skill and discipline of practice, with an edge of meaning and depth to stir the soul of every member of the audience.”

As well as Circus Oz, the festival will present a host of adult themed acts, 18+ cabarets, family shows, shows just for the little ones, street performers and roving shows, magic and performances from Margaret River’s local circus school.

Acts include The Briefs’ world premiere show ‘Jealouss’, Sweden’s David Eriksson with ‘Applesaucy’, The International Spectacular and ‘All Star’ variety shows.

Karnidale favourites The Pitts Family Circus and Yuck Circus will perform, with live music by Dingo Sungod, The Jazaza Collective, Cat Meowsic, Si and B, Kiera Jas and Damien Drac Denyer.

“We also have circus workshops for those that wish to try their hand at circus life!”

For info and tickets, visit lunarcircus.com/the-festival-karnidale