Some rising stars of the circus world were showcased in this performance by Australia’s Phat Cab Club. Presented cabaret style with an MC to link the individual acts, this was a top class show with each of the performers exhibiting impressive and unique skills.

Accompanied by an edgy soundtrack – mostly contemporary hip-hop – the spectacle never let up.

Rhys (aka the Trickster) was the link man with his deliberately awkward humour and slightly distasteful mini-tricks and each of the ensemble offered something unique.

Jordan was the diabolo man, Emily was the rope artist and acrobat, Odette did wonderful things with bouncing and juggling balls, Anna strutted her stuff (and plenty of attitude) with hula-hoops, Mark was the acrobat, dancer, puppet on a string, Antonia was the aerialist on the straps and with a bit of contortion thrown in and Joe was the master juggler.

However, the individual parts, impressive though they were, were not the best bits. Gauging by the audience reactions, the highlights were the moments which occurred when the artists combined.

There was Antonia and Emily with a mesmerising part dance part gym workout with erotic overtones, there was Mark and Jordan – the diabolo gyrating behind with a pierrot-like Mark in front mimicking the movements, and my personal favourite was Odette and Joe together providing a brilliant routine where she bounced small balls on a sound board and he juggled maracas-style balls to produce a pulsating beat.

All of the Phat Cab Club crew are performers on the up, with the energy and enthusiasm of youth on the make.

Their individual skills will take them in different directions in the years to come but for now, we can enjoy them pushing the boundaries of the circus cabaret genre.