Cantina

Overview

It’s the kind of circus you’ve always wanted to see. Forget the lions, the elephant and those goofy looking clowns. Cantina is all class and style. Think underground club, smoke and mirrors and a 1930s cabaret style show that will leave you wowed and open-mouthed.

Set against the fitting backdrop of the spiegeltent, with its stained glass and leather-lined booths, it’s not hard to imagine yourself lost in a leftover fragment of a by-gone era. A haunting melody fills the tent as the audience make their way into the Festival Club and take their seats. Performers casually eye us up from their perches by the piano. The lights dim and the show begins.

Sexy, sultry and a little bit naughty, Cantina features an impressive pool of talent from the likes of La Clique, Circus Oz and Circa. Accompanied by live music and punctuated by dance numbers, the line-up features acts that have performers pushing their bodies to the limit with daring feats of strength, balance and acrobatics.

The small central stage means you get to see it all up close and personal.  Those with general admission tickets get their pick of the seats, so arrive early and stake out a spot in the front row. I dare you. If you can manage to rally a few rangers, a private booth is also a good option, leaving you more time for pre-show drinks in the Festival Garden. Complete with deckchairs, art installations and several bars, it’s definitely worth one or two.

This is the point at which I would usually describe what happens in the show in more detail, you know; give you a run down on the really good bits. But I won’t. That would be telling. And I’d hate to give away a good secret. All I’m going to say is; Cantina’s stylish and polished production will have you gasping, and not just because of the acrobatics. And of course, don’t try this at home folks.

To read the Concrete Playground Ten Must See Shows at Auckland Arts Festival, click here.