REVIEW: La Ronde at The Grand Electric

Review by Michelle Sutton 

Scott Maidment directs the cabaret and circus show La Ronde at the decadent yet intimate venue of The Grand Electric in Surry Hills. La Ronde brings together a highly accomplished international cast of extremely talented circus and cabaret performers who are experts in their fields and together create a truly special theatrical spectacle. 

Lighting by Harry O’Meara is an integral part of the show coming together. From the moment audiences enter the venue the lighting sets the tone for a fun, sensual, thrilling cabaret experience. Lighting during the performances is beautiful, thoughtful and serves to highlight the incredible grace and poise of the performers. The show features choreography by Melanie Hawkins. At a few points during the show the entire cast congregates on and around the stage to dance, these moments are a little underwhelming compared to the energy on stage during a solo performance. The costumes are beautiful and cohesive across the cast featuring sparkling red, black and gold. The stage design is simple to allow performers to have the full focus of the audience. A large disco ball hangs above the stage when audience members first enter the theatre, creating the beautiful visual effect of fragments of light being projected onto every wall. This lets the audience know to expect a feat for their eyes and all of their senses. 

Geniris opens the show with her smooth and silky vocals, setting the playful, elegant and indulgent tone for the rest of the night. A highlight of the show is Sergiy Mishchurenko’s solo pole aerial performance which is a awe-inspiring demonstration of precision, elegance and athleticism. Mishchurenko shows he is a master at engaging a crowd and drawing an audience in. Adam Malone showcased his different skills in two mesmerising acts, one featuring hula hoops and one aerial performance. Malone’s stage presence and charisma set him apart as a scene-stealer every time he was on stage. Danik Abishev impressed the crowd with his acrobatics and balance. Diana Bondarenko masterfully performs a dazzling and beautiful aerial and trapeze routine. Sam Goodburn provides the comedic elements of the production, presenting a truly unique circus act which utilised audience engagement in fun and surprising ways. Goodburn had the audience on the edge of their seats with his distinctive style of comedy. Zoë Marshall is another stand-out in the cast of incredibly talented artists. Marshall performs stunning routine consisting of jaw-dropping hair-hang, aerial, contortionist elements that she executes with precision, ease and grace. The runtime of the show is perfect, with the audience left wanting more. The Grand Electric is a perfect venue choice for the cabaret show, as it oozes fun, debauchery and decadence, promising audiences an extravagant night, but still keeping everyone close so the experience is shared and feels personal. 

La Ronde at Grand Electric is a captivating and dazzling theatrical experiencing, showcasing some truly show stopping cabaret and circus talents.  La Ronde is sure to be a fabulous night out for any attendee. La Ronde is playing at the Grand Electric until 21st December 2025. 

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