Elixir, by Head First Acrobats’ tagline reads: This show is Cirque Du Soleil meets Magic Mike.

I disagree.

It is SO much more than that.

Magic Mike implies cheesy, in-your-face routines. However, Elixir Revived is a satisfying slow burn. It occupies the audience’s mind with a science fiction storyline that justifies the incorporation of a multitude of acrobatic and circus tricks.

Elixir Revived revolves around four scientists who are working for a pharmaceutical company that’s developing an elixir of life. They test the elixir on themselves, with each scull bringing unexpected boosts in agility and atheliticism.

Honestly, I think it would be easier to list what this show did not feature, rather than was on show. There were aerial acrobatics, breakdancing, balancing acts and even sword throwing. I loved all the routines, but was gobsmacked to see the seemingly “gawky” scientist suddenly unveil himself to be a strong aerialist who hung from the ceiling… by his jaw!

With this amount of physicality, you would assume that the cast would ooze machismo.

Far from it. Instead, they poke fun at themselves and each other throughout the show. This injection of comedy helped keep the show engaging as the audience was just as entertained by the teasing as they were by the physical feats.

You could tell that the cast were having way too much fun with the audience. At one stage, one of the performers was struggling not to break character. This backfired on him as it only encouraged the audience to laugh harder, to push him to the edge.

This endeared them even more to an already bedazzled crowd.

To surmise, this is no Magic Mike. Rather, it is a discerning woman’s Magic Mike. It will send your heart racing and astound you with the amazing feats.

Most importantly, Elixir Revived will charm you effortlessly with a hint of bawdiness instead of thrusting it in your face.

I left absolutely enthralled, and stumped as to how I’m going to sit through Head First Acrobat’s family-friendly offering without smirking about Elixir Revived.

Hot tip: Without giving too much away, if you’re sitting in the first row, there is a chance that you might end up as collateral damage during the show. If you would prefer not to get too close to the action and merely observe, aim to sit in row 3 onwards. And no, the rows at the side of the seats are NOT safe either.