Perth Voice Interactive

DON’T be fooled into thinking Fringe show Limbo is about wriggling under a stick.

It’s an eerily whimsical battle of circus and cabaret, inspired by the realm between heaven and hell.

The performers’ versatility, jumping between skills like tap dancing, contortion and — I swear — levitating, left this mortal in awe.

And all this on a stage in the Palais Des Glaces Spiegeltent that was so small and intimate I was deeply concerned about having an acrobat spear themselves headfirst into my lap. What a view.

Spiralled posts and mirrors line the perimeter of the tent, adding to the sense of stepping onto a sinister carousel ride.

Contortionist Philipp Tigris showed off different arrangements of the human skeleton. Seductively stripping to his waist, a vibrant tiger tattoo covering his back offered no distraction from the fact it was facing 180 degrees from where it ought to.

Australia’s own Hilton Denis performed an incredible tap solo in pin-striped pants and suspenders; eager applause during the dance quickly died down for fear of missing the impossibly quick tapping.

If Denis’s feet were divine, human flame-thrower Heather Holiday produced enough heat from the stage to make me wonder whether her act was a precursor to the Gates of Hell opening below our feet.

Escapologist Danik Abishev was clearly more adept on his hands than most people are on their feet. Balancing on chained hands, he jumped between ‘prison bars’ while holding his body in the most awkward positions.

The chemistry between performers was uniquely intoxicating and their energy radiated to the entire room. Coupled with dance and live music, these astonishing performances received overwhelming applause.

Abishev’s so ripped, even his back is chiselled muscle and is reminiscent of a rock climbing wall; that’s my only criticism, I left feeling I was imprisoned in a soft, squishy body.

Limbo provides a fantastic reason to go down and visit the newly opened Elizabeth Quay. It is on at the Palais Des Glaces Spiegeltent at the Fringe World Fairground, Elizabeth Quay to March 6. Tickets from $30 at fringeworld.com.au.

by KATRINA MAHONEY