Circus cabaret coming to town

Masterful juggling, aerial silks, Chinese pole, and trapeze – the Margaret River circus community is flipping, flying, and tumbling onto The Circus Hub’s stage this May for two nights of extraordinary entertainment.

Local circus teacher and performance artist Casey Wood has gathered the region’s most talented performers for a Cabaret filled with fun and astonishing feats.

The path to circus life and the ‘Big Tent’ often begins with a child’s sense of wonder, and Casey’s story is no exception.

Her journey started twenty years ago at the age of eleven, under the mentorship of the legendary local performer ‘Fatt Matt’ Yates.

“There was a group of us kids he took under his wing and taught for several years,” she shared.” It was like a dream, we really got to immerse ourselves in all things circus! Which, for a kid, was awesome!”

This early guidance led her to the Flying Fruit Fly Circus in the eastern states and later to a prestigious circus school in France, where she studied the craft intensely for two years.

“It was amazing, like a university for circus. Instead of a degree in medicine, I was getting one in handstands!”

Just before heading to France, life had its own choreography in mind. Casey met her future husband, Gonzalo, at the Luna Circus in Karridale – an Argentinian traveller who was the behind-the-scenes master of circus magic while she performed on stage – it was a match made in circus heaven.

They returned to Margaret River in 2017, where Casey and her friend Veronica established the Margaret River Circus School in 2019, inspiring children to run away to the circus and follow their performance dreams.

Six years, two children, and countless classes later, Casey’s vision has expanded beyond teaching youngsters.

The Circus School’s recent acquisition of The Hive building has opened the doorway to a dedicated circus hub, providing new performance opportunities.

“We want to offer more for the community and the region’s professional performers. There aren’t many performance opportunities here, so we’re building that connection in a space where we can all come together to play, create, and learn. ”

The upcoming Cabaret showcases this collaborative spirit. “The idea of a circus Cabaret has been brewing in our minds for a while,” Casey explained.

“Several incredible professional performers are in town this year, so it felt like the perfect time to create something special together.”

The show brings together high-level professionals from across the South West, many of whom have performed with the best companies worldwide and trained at renowned schools in Montreal.

Two talented teens from Casey’s performance group will also join the lineup, gaining valuable experience alongside seasoned artists.

Each performer brings their unique style and skill to the stage.

“Every circus show is different because everyone puts their own spin on things – quite literally!” Casey laughed.

“Someone will always do something you didn’t even know was possible.”

For Casey, teaching circus means passing on the same encouragement she received as a young performer.

“As a kid, I was so supported by my parents. Being on the other side and giving others the same support I had is very special. Seeing these children perform and progress in leaps and bounds is incredibly rewarding.

“Many have been with us for six years – for almost half their lives!”

She nurtures her students’ growth beyond their regular training by offering opportunities to explore all aspects of circus arts.

Students gain teaching experience with younger groups and participate in workshops led by visiting professionals. Soon, some will train at the Flying Fruit Fly Circus in July.

“We’re fundraising to get them there. This isn’t part of our business; we don’t make any money from this – it’s just about the joy of seeing them follow their dreams.”

This passion for sharing circus arts comes from understanding its unique power to amaze. “For hundreds of years, the circus has captured people’s imagination. It entertains like no other show.”

These skills take a long time to acquire, yet they seem so effortless that you don’t really realise it when watching. There’s always an element of surprise, and no manual for what you’ll see. It’s simply magical!

The Circus Cabaret will be held at the Circus Hub on May 3rd and 5th at 7 pm, located at 24 Auger Way, Margaret River.

“We have some incredibly talented performers who are also hilariously funny. It’s a small, intimate venue where everyone has a fantastic view. It will be an amazing show and a whole lot of fun!”