What’s not to love about this show?

It’s high energy, thrilling, seductive, and playful – engaging from start to finish, with much humour in between.

As I walked into the foyer of the Spiegeltent, I couldn’t help but notice the number of Ashtons in the cast. This family dynasty has been entertaining Australian audiences for over one hundred years, with James Henry Ashton founding the circus in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1850. Infamous is produced by sixth-generation circus performer Joseph Ashton and is where traditional circus meets cabaret.

The Ashtons cast in this show are incredibly talented and daring, and so are the rest of the crew. From the very beginning, we’re treated to an exciting stunt where two performers run along the ‘Wheel of Death’ like mice—both inside and outside the wheels—with tricks along the way. From there, it doesn’t really stop.

Cast members take to the trapeze, use aerial silks, and perform feats on the pole. There are seductive dances (including a lap dance for two lucky ladies!), acrobatics, juggling, and the use of the slackline. Each performer showcases their own unique talent; however, I must say comedian Ian Richardson (who just needs to appear on stage to bring the humour alive) adds the perfect final touch to the blend. There is something for everyone here – women in their femininity and men in their masculinity – it was awesome!

Part of what also made the show continuously engaging was how well the acts were sequenced, from exhilarating stunts to seductive moments, with regular bursts of humour in between. I enjoyed the solo acts just as much as the joint performances.

In addition, I loved the outfits! Glitzy and glamorous and perfectly suited to each act, almost all with a seductive touch as required. At times, there is barely anything there, but it is for mature audiences – and never crude. Everything about this show was classy and enjoyable, and the cast members seemed to genuinely enjoy every minute.

I cannot complete this review without giving full credit to the audiovisual and stunt equipment teams, who enacted quick and seamless transitions between the sets, to the point the audience felt they were never left waiting, and so always on the edge of our seats wanting more.

Suitable for mature audiences, and a great choice for couples. Infamous is one performance you would want to see year after year.