Escalate at Melbourne Fringe: A Thrilling Juggling Spectacle Redefining Circus Art

If there’s one show at Melbourne Fringe that will leave you mesmerised and breathless, it’s Escalate. This is not just juggling—it’s juggling elevated to an art form, pushing the limits of movement, music, and performance in ways that Melbourne audiences have never seen before. Held at the Circus Oz Hub in Collingwood, Escalate is a thrilling hour-long ride that showcases the power, grace, and intensity of modern circus.

Blending the precision of virtuosic juggling with ethereal live guitar and cutting-edge lighting design, Escalate grabs your attention from the very first beat and doesn’t let go. It’s an explosive, rhythmic spectacle that has already earned acclaim at home and abroad, and now you have the chance to experience it before it takes the world by storm.

Taking Juggling to New Heights: A Show That Defies Expectations

What Escalate does for juggling is nothing short of revolutionary. You might think you’ve seen juggling before, but this show defies everything you know. The performers—Melbourne’s own Byron Hutton, Richard Sullivan, and Samuel Kreusler (who also composed the live score)—deliver a performance so intricately timed, so effortlessly cool, that you forget you’re watching a circus act.

The rhythm and musicality woven into each juggling sequence create a hypnotic, almost meditative atmosphere, while the performers’ energy bursts from the stage with each daring move. The show’s ability to blend complex juggling techniques with sleek, stylish choreography elevates it far beyond the usual circus fare, making it a standout performance of Melbourne Fringe 2024.

The seamless integration of Kreusler’s live guitar only enhances the experience, with the music moving fluidly between percussive beats and driving electronica, matching the performers’ intensity. The result is a spectacle that’s as much about sound and atmosphere as it is about movement—audiences don’t just watch Escalate, they feel it.

A Visual and Musical Masterpiece: Juggling Like You’ve Never Seen Before

The collaboration between lighting designer Nick Moloney and production designer Mason Browne brings an otherworldly glow to the stage. With each scene, the lighting shifts in perfect harmony with the music, enhancing the performers’ every movement and creating visual textures that are nothing short of captivating. The use of light and shadow transforms the space, making each juggling act feel fresh and exciting while keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

As the performance unfolds, the technical mastery of these performers becomes even more evident. Their juggling defies gravity, their timing is flawless, and their interactions with the audience are playful yet polished. There’s an undeniable sense of chemistry between the performers as they push the boundaries of their art form, proving that juggling can be both an athletic feat and a form of artistic expression.

An Explosive Hour of Circus Magic: Escalate Is the Must-See Show of Melbourne Fringe 2024

Escalate isn’t just a circus show—it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the sheer joy of performance. Winning the Best Circus award at Melbourne Fringe 2022 and wowing audiences at Edinburgh Fringe, it’s clear that this show is something special. With a global tour already planned, including stops in the USA, South America, Europe, and Taiwan, Melbourne audiences are lucky to have this exclusive chance to catch Escalate before it hits the international stage.

What makes Escalate truly unforgettable is its ability to break down the barriers of traditional circus and offer something entirely new. It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and unrelentingly clever, but it also has a depth and artistry that lingers long after the final curtain falls. You’ll find yourself captivated by the rhythm, mesmerised by the visuals, and astounded by the sheer skill on display.

Why Escalate Should Be Your Top Pick at Melbourne Fringe

If you’ve ever doubted that juggling could be both stylish and profound, Escalate will change your mind. It’s a dazzling fusion of athleticism, music, and visual storytelling that redefines what circus can be. This is not just entertainment—it’s a transformative experience and one that deserves every bit of praise it’s received.

Whether you’re a circus aficionado or new to the world of contemporary circus, Escalate is an absolute must-see at Melbourne Fringe. It’s fun, fabulous, and utterly exhilarating—a show that will make you remember why live performance is so electrifying.

Don’t miss your chance to witness one of the most innovative and exciting circus shows Melbourne has to offer. Escalate is a testament to the talent, passion, and creativity of Melbourne’s artistic community, and it’s a performance that will leave you spellbound.

Get your tickets now before they sell out: Melbourne Fringe – Escalate Tickets

We also highly recommend GODZ, read our review here.

Disclaimer: Roslyn Foo and Clarence Chua attended the opening show of Escalate at Melbourne Fringe as invited guests. The review reflects our independent opinions.