I never knew I was maternal until I saw Soap. Be warned readers, this production brings out the mother in you. You’ll gasp, cover your mouth and wished the performers would just wear a helmet for god’s sake! Hanging off aerial straps, tip-toeing on the ledge of a wet bathtub, a pair of very mesmerising legs, an operatic diva with cougar-like tendencies and a cheeky trick the audience won’t see coming, Soap is a visually stunning performance of new circus, comedy and dance on a water-soaked stage. Add one portion water to seven artists performing to the music of Mika, Sia, The Doors, Nina Simone, Gnarls Barkley, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Curtis Mayfield, Goldfrapp amongst others and watch as they grow into a bathroom spectacular. Even though the performers lack the dexterity of better known circus acts like Cirque du Soleil, there is no denying the pure novelty of this production. A rough start with a few synchronisation problems did not stop the riotous opening night audience from whistling and shouting ecstatically in German. (Soap is a German production making its Australian debut after a quick stopover at the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Like a modern family, the amalgamation of talents worked like a mismatched charm. This is liquid gold! Speaking of which, I recommend a visit to the toilet before the show starts.
Until Jan 23, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, $44-55, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com
