Step into the smoke-hazed shadows of 1930s Berlin and let yourself be bewitched by Berlin Burlesque: The Story of Hanussen – a spellbinding production by the Lyttelton Circus Theatre Co ensconced in the theatre at Gasworks Arts Park.
A captivating blend of theatre, circus arts and live music, Berlin Burlesque is part historical portrait and part cabaret fever dream. At the heart of the show lies the enigmatic figure of Erik Jan Hanussen – mentalist, showman, and mysterious seer caught in the rising tide of Nazi Germany.
As Hanussen, Tom Trevella blends charm, arrogance and vulnerability to bring this larger-than-life figure to life. From the moment he takes the stage, he holds the audience in his palm. Beneath the glitter and fire lies a potent story about illusion – both personal and political.
Trevella is joined by a stellar cast who dazzle in a seamless fusion of circus artistry and theatrical craft. David Ladderman’s dry wit and dexterous juggling lend a vaudevillian charm, while Sophie Easton’s sultry vocals and hypnotic hoop routines offer a torch-song heartbeat to the show
With plenty of danger and elegance entwined, Pascal Ackermann’s fire and aerial acts are impressive. Bea Hemsley brings an emotional depth as Hanussen’s doomed lover, bringing pathos and sensuality in equal measure.
Conjuring both the grotesque and the divine, the Twisty Duo (Rebecca Salmi & Nele Siezen) deserve special mention for their otherworldly acrobatic contortions.
Led by multi-instrumentalist Carmel Courtney, the live band, Doug Brush, Mike Fudakowski and Tyson Smith, is electric. The soundtrack swings effortlessly between smoky jazz, dissonant cabaret, and visceral percussive beats, pulsating with the rhythm of the times.
The transformation of the Gasworks Theatre is impressive. The immersive setting, featuring gold fixtures and mirror balls, immediately places you in the surrounds of a decadent Berlin nightclub, evoking characteristics of art deco era and the impending doom of Hanussen’s world with louche ambience.
With plenty of chutzpah and a few surprises thrown in along the way, Berlin Burlesque is in equal measures bold, daring and deeply human.
Berlin Burlesque: The Story of Hanussen
Gasworks Theatre – Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
Performance: Saturday 5 April 2025
Season continues to 26 April 2025
Bookings: www.gasworks.org.au
For more information, visit: www.lytteltoncircustheatre.co for details.
Images: Lyttelton Circus Theatre Co presents Berlin Burlesque: The Story of Hanussen – photos by Dean MacKenzie