A romantic ballet and story about belonging are reimagined as a circus spectacular in Duck Pond.  Defying narrative convention, the work collides two familiar fairy tales — Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling — into a new story that questions transformation, identity and self-acceptance.

Performed by fourteen talented acrobats from C!RCA Australia, the world-renowned contemporary circus blends movement, dance, theatre and circus.

The cast soar through the air, gracefully executing forward and backward tumbles and flipping with ease. They throw, leap and balance in human towers in ways that seem impossible to us mere mortals — standing three atop shoulders or balancing one-handed on another’s shoulders. And just when the shoulder displays impress, the team move on to standing on each other’s heads. Jaw-dropping aerial silk spins and mid-air no-hands splits and trapeze work follow, demonstrating incredible strength of a troupe who have spent years training for the skills showcased in Duck Pond.

There are a couple of precarious moments that emphasis that, although the performers make it look easy, these are dangerous feats of movement. Director Yaron Lifschitz reminds us: “Circus makes danger visible, turns risk into spectacle, transforms the impossible into something you can witness.”

Costumes by Libby McDonnell ensure every taut muscle is on display, from the all-white tights and tops to sparkling black jumpsuits. Sunshine yellow identifies the duck army dressed in overalls, visors and oversized flippers, adding a playful visual contrast.

Much of Duck Pond is family-friendly, drawing cries of delight from younger audience members. The comedic skits land the biggest laughs, particularly as the ducks dance with mops, surprisingly dexterous despite their flippers.

One sequence is more suited to mature viewers, as a burlesque Black Swan clad in a glittery sheer bodystocking and sparkling red stiletto heels, walks over a bare-chested male, pulling his curls until his head falls back in submission. It’s a sultry, entrancing interlude that adds a darker edge to Duck Pond.

Lighting designer Alexander Berlage bathes the stage in blush pink, royal blue and lilac. Towards the conclusion, rolling boxes frame silhouetted bodies, creating a striking visual effect.

It’s a fast-paced show, with 75 minutes whizzing by, audiences captivated by tranquil acrobatic movements and feathers flying in wild pillow fights. 

Duck Pond is entertaining and transfixing, showcasing extraordinary physical brilliance and imagination.

4 stars. 

Presented by C!RCA, Duck Pond is playing at the Sydney Opera House until 12 January 2026. The show tours to Melbourne (Princess Theatre, Jan 14-25) and the Gold Coast (HOTA, Mar 6-7) before commencing a regional tour of WA in late March.

Run time: 75 minutes (no interval)

For touring information visit C!RCA