Kaleido Company have done it again, and just like the fringes from the 80s, it’s bigger and better than ever before. If you haven’t seen an 80s Mixtape show before, you are in for a treat; if you have seen an 80s show in the past, raise those expectations; this is their strongest show yet! 

As we were leaving the tent, I overheard, "The 80s will never die". With music and power ballads like those, how could the 80s ever be forgotten, although the big hair, acid wash jeans and high cut leotards could do with staying in the past. 

Let’s start with the choreography — next level doesn’t quite cover it. Every movement feels intentional, electric, and flawlessly executed. The staging, music, and sound design are slick and completely dialled in, creating a lush playground where circus can shine.

MC Andrew Silverwood promised us this was a reciprocal relationship; the more we give, the more we will get from the artists. Oh, they didn’t disappoint. The morning after the night before, and the artists may be bathing in magnesium to ease their painful muscles, but we are gargling with betadine to ease our sore throats from all the cheering. It wasn’t a conscious choice; the whoops and screams just escaped. The artists are AMAZING!

There was a magnificent hoop act by Rachel Phillips; it wasn’t just the number of hoops, it was what she did with them. Stunning lyra by Massie Hughs, the strength, flexibility and grace, wow! Jason Ahipne on flying pole and the most amazing straps act we have seen this season (and to Purple Rain, could it get any better?!). Dave Wong partnered with Sarah Green on double trapeze and cube, and just to make the extra so much more extra – on roller skates! The chemistry between these two is matched only by the trust they have in each other. Both of these acts were phenomenal. It isn’t often we see the combination of strength and flexibility like this in the male performers. Finally, Sarah Green in the finale silks solo. I was going to say it was breathtaking, but it was more squeal-inducing. 

Silverwood kept the pace high between acts, keeping the audience laughing and upbeat. Special mention to backstage support, Georgie, who we were promised would be very impressive with her silk throwing skills, and she did not disappoint. 

There is literally something for everyone, and they do it with all their clothes on, so other than a little bit of a language warning, this show is suitable for everyone. 

12 hours later, and my face still hurts from smiling so much at the show. From the whimsical opening to that jaw-dropping, blindfolded silks solo ending, it was non-stop, all killer, no filler, high octane, arena-level awesome! Well done, and thank you for bringing such a beautiful night to the full-house audience of Perth!