🎭 Duck Pond
📍Southbank Centre
🎟️ Gifted
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fancy a unique twist on Swan Lake? Duck Pond is a dazzling fusion of ballet and world-class circus that promises an unforgettable evening for all!
Directed by Yaron Lifschitz, CEO and director of Circa, Duck Pond is a joyful and exhilarating reimagining of the classic ballet.
Performed by an award-winning Australian-based performing arts company, Circa, the show brims with jaw-dropping stunts, breathtaking acrobatics, and playful comedy! I have watched Swan Lake before, but this interpretation was the most captivating performance I’ve ever seen.
Composer and sound designer Jethro Woodward redesigned Tchaikovsky’s iconic Swan Lake score with modern electronic bass beats, creating a thrilling atmosphere. This innovative score, especially during the lake scene, intensified those daring aerial and acrobatic acts, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
The performers acrobatic and aerial work is nothing short of impressive. Their movements are graceful and effortless, yet the show also embraces humour in unexpected ways. A standout scene features the performers dressed as cheeky yellow ducklings, complete with sequined socks, yellow visors, and mops. Through clever choreography, these ducklings hilariously engage in traditional circus acts—balancing mops, tumbling into piles, and forming a platform for the swan to delicately climb. It’s a testament to this incredible company’s creativity and skill.
Circa has toured the world with its creative circus shows and is renowned for blending movement, dance, theatre and circus. The fourth wall breaks added another layer of humour as well as their ode to musical theatre in that Chicago-style routine – it was genius and had the audience cheering! Another standout moment was during the second half where the performers contort their bodies to resemble swans – it was fascinating!
Telling the story of Swan Lake through circus acts is a bold and distinctive idea that works brilliantly. The storytelling is clear, structured, and utterly captivating. From the challenging acrobatics to the imaginative costumes to the playful interactions, every detail is intentional and true to the narrative, while adding their unique flair.
Duck Pond is a festive spectacle packed with extraordinary stunts. The show celebrates art, innovation, and sheer talent. It is playing at Southbank Centre until 30 December 2024!
