Review: The Détectives in Cirque Noir at Perth Cultural Centre
The Détectives in Cirque Noir at Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent @ Perth Cultural Centre
Sunday, January 22, 2023
8.5/10
The Détectives In Cirque Noir is an unmissable murder-mystery-come-circus-spectacular, sprung from the barmy brains behind the internationally acclaimed Dummies Corp.
Behind its façade of Chaplinesque slapstick comedy, physical gags and silly storytelling, The Détectives In Cirque Noir is an exercise intelligent and original theatre making. Exuding the beloved cliches and bygone imagery of classic detective thrillers, this show transported the audience to dangerous and dark city streets, and seedy clubs, with flair and panache, and a few surprises.
The immensely talented Amy Nightingale-Olsen, Thomas McDonald, and Leigh Rhodes took to the stage as three utterly ridiculous, bumbling private detectives, whom the audience couldn’t help but adore, accompanied by puppet master David Splatt. Opening with a dramatic murder and impressive aerial routine by McDonald, the show followed the three detectives and their captivatingly brainless attempts to solve the crime. Rhodes wowed with impressive juggling skills, before dropping jaws (and trousers) with some excellent burlesque mischief. Meanwhile Nightingale-Olsen’s ability to be literally picked up and thrown around by her co-stars, alongside her own foot juggling skills was remarkable (and, at times, heart stopping).
The performers’ seemingly instinctual grasp of their character, and situational humour was captivating, as was the seamless integration of the storytelling with the circus and physical performance elements. The clearly thoughtful design of exciting costumes, complex soundscapes, and original songs strengthened an already impressive production into an immersive success.
The intimacy of the Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent was the perfect venue for this immersive storytelling (though do not fear, there was no on-stage audience interaction), despite the occasional fear of a juggling ball to the face (though it never amounted)!
This show was truly a delight as much for its silliness, mischief and good old fashioned circus fun, as it was for its impressive design and execution. This piece was truly a love letter to an era of flair, and a circus format people have come to love. Not one for the children, but certainly one for the child inside you! The only crime here would be missing this show!
You can catch The Détectives In Cirque Noir at the Lotterywest De Parel Spiegeltent at Perth Cultural Centre until January 29, and again from February 3 to 19 (excluding Monday 6 and 13).
BEC WELDON
