“Did we just see the best juggling show of our lives?”
That was what my plus one and I murmured to each other excitedly as we exited the vibrant Circus Oz Hub theatre, which has returned to Melbourne Fringe for first time since 2019. We’d just witnessed Throw Catch Collective’s jaw dropping show ‘Escalate‘.
‘Escalate‘ effortlessly blends clockwork perfect choreography, rhythmic beats and hypnotic movements with live music and some fantastic lighting design. This is juggling as you have never seen it before.
The Circus Oz hub is a fantastic space at The Collingwood Yards, and returns with a stacked program featuring some of Australia’s most exciting circus acts, school holiday fun for the family and electric late night entertainment for the duration of Melbourne Fringe.
The stars of this show are Melbourne boys Byron Hutton, Richard Sullivan, and Samuel Kreusler (who is also the show’s composer).
These are some seriously skilled jugglers who push the boundaries of their art form with intricate routines that as the name of the show implies, escalate into something truly unbelievable. We’re talking daring throws, lightning-fast catches, and moments of pure synchronicity that had me holding my breath (in a good way!).
But it’s not just about the tricks (although let’s be honest, those were pretty darn impressive). The lighting design by Nick Moloney is phenomenal, creating a dynamic and ever-changing stage that perfectly complements the music and the juggling.
Speaking of music, Kreusler’s score is a total vibe, seamlessly transitioning from guitar (while juggling), percussion made with the sounds of the juggling balls and batons, to beepy, glitch-led electronica, all while being perfectly in sync with the on-stage action. It’s clear these guys have put a lot of thought into creating a truly immersive experience.
Honestly, the best part of ‘Escalate‘ is how much fun it is. These guys are clearly having a blast performing, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The audience was absolutely captivated, cheering along and gasping in awe at some of the more daring tricks. There’s even a hint of playfulness throughout the show, with some moments that had us laughing out loud.
A visually stunning spectacle that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and elevates juggling to a whole new level, ‘Escalate‘ is the perfect show for anyone who wants to be amazed, entertained, and maybe even a little inspired. Just don’t try this at home!
– The Plus Ones
