Review: Pay no Attention, Flying Fruit Fly Circus

A delightful mix of impressive circus acts performed with engaging comic delivery kept hundreds of children gasping with awe throughout Pay no Attention, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus sold out performances at the Sydney Opera House from July 4 to July 11.

Each act drew enthusiastic clapping and gasps of “WOW” from the audience, both the young and the old.

Mixing comedy with gymnastics, waltzing , cannon balls and comedy routines, young performers of all ages ranging from 11 to 17  kept us all engaged as they encouraged audience participation.

My 5-year-old companion sat enthralled, clapping at every trick, eyes glued to the spectacle. We stayed behind for the question session and she told director Anni Davey that when she was older she wanted to join their circus.

Pay No Attention. Photo: Daniel Boud

These impressive performers are all members of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, Australia’s National Youth Circus – a unique performing arts company where world-class training and extraordinary creativity come together.

Flying Fruit Fly Circus’ artistic director, Anni Davey said: “Pay No Attention presents 13 young acrobats in all their mystery and glory! Talented, opaque, dazzling, puzzling–conundrums! Is breaking free of the puppet master of social convention impossible? Or can we defy gravity, overcome fears and juggle cannons? Come and find out. These kids are amazing!”

Based on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, The Flying Fruit Circus is the country’s only full-time circus school, offering exceptional training and academic education to students from Year 3 to Year 12.

Students receive world class training across a wide range of circus disciplines, performance and touring experiences. Its state-of-the-art facility in Albury consists of a large training hall, studios and theatre. The training program is delivered alongside primary and secondary academic studies. Up to 80 students aged 8-18 are enrolled each year.

Pay No Attention. Photo: Daniel Boud

The Sydney Opera House is among its industry partners which include Cirque du Soleil, Arts Centre Melbourne, National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), The Cube Wodonga, Circa and Casus Creations.

CEO Richard Hull said: “The Flying Fruit Fly Circus considers the Opera House to be its Sydney performance home thanks to a long-term partnership with the iconic venue. The company also partners with Arts Centre Melbourne and a number of regional theatres to ensure its work can be seen by as many people as possible.”

Pay No Attention. Photo: Daniel Boud_

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is now approaching its 50th year. Among its many standout moments is its special appearance during the Sydney 2000 Olympics at the Olympic Arts Festival and the Opening Ceremony, notably performing alongside the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe of China.