Circus Oz: Here, There and Everywhere! Review — Melbourne International Comedy Festival

You know you have seen a great show when kids, parents and grandparents all walk out smiling ear to ear. That was exactly the feeling leaving Circus Oz: Here, There and Everywhere! at Melbourne Town Hall. This energetic and entertaining production delivers a joyful mix of comedy, acrobatics and live music, making it one of the standout family-friendly shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

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Fresh from their holiday season on 42nd Street in New York City, Circus Oz has returned to Melbourne with a brand-new show running from 8 – 18 April 2026 in the historic Melbourne Town Hall Main Hall. Founded in 1978, Circus Oz is a Melbourne-based contemporary circus company recognised as a pioneer of modern human circus. For more than four decades, they have combined extraordinary physical skill, theatre and sharp Australian humour to create performances that are bold, inclusive and uniquely their own.

Here, There and Everywhere! is performed by a talented multigenerational ensemble and blends slapstick humour, breathtaking aerial work and finely honed technical circus skills into a high-energy performance that never slows down. Quirky costumes, playful storytelling and a quirky live band add to the atmosphere, giving the show a lively, spontaneous feel. The musicians are an integral part of the production, driving the rhythm of each act and elevating the overall experience.

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The cast showcases an impressive range of circus disciplines, with standout moments throughout the show. Sharon Gruenert and Leo Pentland’s static trapeze performance was a highlight, combining strength, balance and humour. Mozes Heawood’s rope act had the audience transfixed, particularly during an incredible sequence of continuous spinning that demonstrated remarkable endurance and control. One of the most inspiring performers is Debra Batton, a 66-year-old trapeze artist with more than 40 years of experience, whose performance drew huge admiration from the crowd.

Audiences are treated to an exciting variety of acts including trapeze, roller skating, magic, skipping routines, hula hoops and a hilarious plate-spinning finale. There’s even a wonderfully silly “performing horse”, or rather a human horse, that perfectly captures Circus Oz’s signature humour. The production combines impressive technical skill with playful humour, keeping audiences of all ages entertained throughout the show.

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Directed and co-devised by Nicci Wilks with performers Sharon Gruenert, Leo Pentland, Angelique Ross, Hannah Richards, Spenser Inwood, Debra Batton and Mozes, Here, There and Everywhere! captures everything audiences love about Circus Oz. With a focus on human creativity, the show blends circus, theatre and comedy into a lively contemporary Australian performance.

If you are looking for things to do in Melbourne with kids or a family-friendly show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Circus Oz is well worth seeing. Funny, skilful and full of heart, this uplifting production is a fantastic limited-season experience for all ages.