Circus Oz returns to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with an audacious new show – Smash it!

Circus-Oz-Smash-It-photo-by-Ben-CappCircus Oz is thrilled to announce Smash it! – a daring circus spectacle premiering in the Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF).

Smash it! is Circus Oz as unbelievable as ever, stripped back, tent-less, dauntless and daring, where sexagenarians, millennials and Gen Z’s unite in chaotic and hilarious harmony.

The energy is relentless, the acts apparently very dangerous, the characters subtle and slightly unhinged. It is everything you hope for and more in a packed hour of family entertainment without any pretensions to be more than a rip-roaring ride through another side of life – the wacky one.

Circus Oz’s shows are made for a multi-generational audience, by a multi-generational cast whose ages span from early twenties to mid-sixties.

Supported by the City of Melbourne, Smash it! is directed by the internationally acclaimed actor, director and playwright David Woods (Ridiculusmus, Back To Back Theatre, Sydney Dance Company, Malthouse Theatre).

“Circus performers delight me with their rigour and daring. Add to that the Circus Oz basement of goodies, the community of care and knowledge around it, and this is pretty much my dream job,” said director David Woods.

During MICF 2023, Circus Oz delivered a sold out run at The Forum with Non Stop, which received five-star reviews, and was described by Arts Hub as a ‘World Class family-friendly production’ that was ‘visually and aurally spectacular’.

Circus Oz has been running for forty-five years and is looking forward to the next forty-five. Established in 1978, Circus Oz are proud leaders of circus arts in Australia and globally.

The Company was founded as a politically progressive ensemble featuring strong women, graceful men, and cranking original live music. The Company is working out of its home in Collingwood, training, developing new work, and rehearsing for its upcoming shows.

Director & Devisor: David Woods | Performers & Devisors: Angelique Ross, Celso March, Debra Batton, Leo Pentland, Mozes Heawood, Sharon Gruenert, Spenser Inwood | Musicians: Carl Polke, Chris Lewis, Sophie Dunn | Assistant Director: Nicci Wilks | Stage Manager: Stephen Burton | Rigger: Christian Schooneveldt Reid | Costume Designer: Laurel Frank | Lighting Design: Gina Gascoigne | Circus Technical Advisor: Tim Coldwell | Set & Props: Mike Finch


Smash It!
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 28 March – 21 April 2024
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

For more information, visit: www.circusoz.com for details.

Image: Circus Oz presents Smash It! – photo by Ben Capp