European Circus Magic Soars into Newcastle
- intouch Magazine
- Aug 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 1, 2025
After earning 14 five-star reviews at Adelaide Fringe, the breathtaking circus production La Ronde is set to dazzle Newcastle audiences at Spiegeltent Newcastle from 5 September to 5 October.
Created by international production powerhouse Strut & Fret, La Ronde showcases jaw-dropping circus artistry featuring hair-hanging and mouthhanging aerialists, flying-pole sensations, and vivacious European cabaret performers. Among the stellar international cast is aerial artist Diana Bondarenko, whose gravity-defying performances have been captivating audiences across the show's debut tour.
"Funny story – I was actually supposed to become a dentist!" reveals Bondarenko, whose family background in medicine seemed to chart her course.
"Almost my whole family works in medicine, so it seemed like the natural path. But ever since I was five, my dream was to be an aerialist."
Bondarenko's aerial artistry promises to be a highlight of the Newcastle season, following her memorable performances in Adelaide, where the show's intimate setting allowed for extraordinary audience connection. "Adelaide was electric," she recalls.
"The opening night was unforgettable! The energy backstage, the lights, the rush of adrenaline before my first flight. But the true highlight? The people. One little girl told me I looked like a 'real-life fairy', and that moment is staying with me forever."
The production brings together the world's best variety artists in what Strut & Fret describes as "a dizzying carousel ride of sensations." The company, renowned for its blockbuster hits LIMBO and Blanc De Blanc, currently operates shows in their decadent Sydney and Brisbane theatres, as well as London.
Spiegeltent Newcastle, with its vintage circus tent atmosphere, lush velvet drapes and mirrored panels in Civic Park, provides the perfect intimate setting for such world-class performances. The venue places audiences incredibly close to the action, creating an immersive experience unlike any other.
La Ronde will also feature as a jewel in the crown of the New Annual festival program. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.spiegeltentnewcastle.com.
