Empire wows with naughty night out - The Canberra Times

It could well become the hottest ticket in town; part circus, part cabaret, part burlesque and entirely fun, Empire wowed those lucky enough to catch the final dress rehearsal ahead of its official Canberra opening on Thursday night.

Described by The New York Times as "Cirque du Soleil as channeled through The Rocky Horror Picture Show," the show debuted in Times Square last year and has received rave reviews at every stop. Presented by Spiegelworld in a spiegeltent which travels with the show, a small stage in the middle of the intimate setting ensures an up close and personal view of the performers - potentially too close and personal for some audience members.

"It's not your standard family-friendly circus production, but it is a show that adults can go out and enjoy and have a good time without feeling like it's been toned down for them," Jessie Cain, the Australian tour producer said.

Empire was created largely by a team of Australians, including Director Terence O'Connell, acclaimed choreographer John O'Connell - whose work includes this year's Academy Awards, Moulin Rouge, Strictly Ballroom and The Great Gatsby to name a few - and costume designer Angus Strathie, who won an Oscar for his work on Moulin Rouge.

"It's an Australian show with an international appeal, which I think lends itself to an Australian humour, an Australian sensibility," Mr Cain said. "It's very cheeky, it's very naughty but it's also all in good fun."

The show features musical, comical, acrobatic and dare-devil acts, and had the audience thoroughly captivated for 90 minutes. "The performers come from all over the world. There's a few who have been with Cirque de Soleil for 15 years, others who have been world champion gymnasts and acrobatics performers, so we're talking about the people who are at the top of the game in the world, performing in our show," Mr Cain said.

Strong early sales had the show's producers extend its initial two week season, with eight shows per week until November 3.

■ Empire is showing at the Canberra Theatre Forecourt, tickets available from Ticketek and Canberra Ticketing from $49.