If you ever wondered what might have happened if Cirque du Soleil had met Magic Mike in a science lab after one too many energy drinks, Elixir Revived had your answer. Performed by Head First Acrobats at the Cobblestone Pavilion at Meat Market, this Fringe favourite returned bigger, bolder, and a whole lot cheekier.
The premise was delightfully absurd. Three scientists set out to discover the elixir of life, only to transform themselves into wildly unhinged versions of humanity. What followed was a one-hour explosion of physical theatre, comedy, and jaw-dropping circus that kept the audience laughing, gasping, and cheering from start to finish.
Thomas Gorham led the madness as the doctor, striking a perfect balance between authority and chaos. Alongside him, Liam Dummer stole scenes as the flamboyant, overtly sexual research assistant who somehow managed to make every joke land. His timing, energy, and total commitment were hysterical. AJ Saltalamacchia completed the trio, matching Liam beat for beat with a blend of charm, athleticism, and perfectly placed physical comedy. The chemistry between the three was electric.
What Head First Acrobats did better than almost anyone was blur the line between skill and storytelling. Each circus act flowed naturally from the action, never feeling like a “now we do tricks” moment. The performers stayed in character even while pulling off stunts that would have left most people winded. The teeterboard launches drew gasps, the aerial straps were both graceful and jaw-dropping, and the head balances on the trapeze were nothing short of fearless. Knife-throwing made an appearance too, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
It was all performed with that signature Head First flair—explosive, physical, and unapologetically fun. There was a gleeful kind of danger to it, the sense that anything could happen next. And yet, beneath the mayhem lay precision and discipline—the mark of true professionals who made the impossible look effortless.
The audience was completely along for the ride. Every trick, joke, and glance landed. There was laughter, applause, and the kind of energy that reminded everyone why live performance was so addictive. By the time the final gravity-defying aerial tumble landed, the room was buzzing. The applause was loud, the cheers genuine, and everyone left with the same thought: circus could be funny, sexy, and absolutely thrilling all at once.
Elixir Revived was an hour of pure entertainment that proved Head First Acrobats had once again struck the perfect balance between athleticism and absurdity. It was wild, raw, rowdy, and completely unmissable.
Elixir Revived played as part of Melbourne Fringe at Meat Market – Cobblestone Pavilion from 14–18 October 2025.
For more information, visit melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/elixir-revived
