Velvet Inferno captures the electric spirit of the disco era, fusing retro style and infectious grooves with dazzling circus acts.

At 73 years of age, Marcia Hines still commands the stage with a powerhouse voice. Dressed in a leopard catsuit, she is every bit the disco diva, leading the audience through the decade’s greatest hits.

A 70s-inspired show wouldn’t be complete without roller skates and husband-and-wife team Yevhenii and Vlada, collectively known as Duo Stardust, deliver one of the evening’s biggest thrills. Hailing from Ukraine and holding a Guinness World Record, their daring aerial roller-skating act is heart-stopping. Holding hands, Yevhenii spins Vlada at extraordinary speed, her pink fuchsia leotard and roller skates slicing through the air just above the front rows. On completion, the crowd roars, both relieved and exhilarated. Beside me I hear one patron whisper, “I’m too scared to watch this,” but she’s enthralled. This remarkable duo could easily headline their own show.

Fellow Ukrainian performer Oleg Tatarynov also impresses with a memorable bathtub sequence. Combining extraordinary strength with a graceful physique, his act is well worth the splash as he turns up the heat, his glistening body clinging to the pole while transitioning into one-handed holds.

Zoë Marshall captivates with her signature aerial hair-hanging act, while choreographer Amy Campbell ensures the acrobatic sequences continue to raise the stakes through soaring hoops, aerial flips and gravity-defying gymnastics.

Craig Reid, better known as the Incredible Hula Hoop Boy, adds theatrical magic with costume changes that go far beyond the traditional quick-change.

Emma Feliciano and Mateja Sardelis support Hines with their honeyed vocals and energetic dance moves before stepping into the spotlight themselves, channelling the exuberance of 70s go-go dancers in gold mini dresses.

Director Craig Ilott, creator of the acclaimed L’Hotel and Gatsby at The Green Light, keeps the surprises coming in a production that celebrates body positivity, diversity and individuality.

KYE’s vocals are another standout, while musical director Joe Accaria fills the show with upbeat 70s hits including “Relight My Fire”, “It’s Raining Men” and “Play That Funky Music”. Velvet Inferno is not karaoke, but spontaneous singalongs prove impossible to resist as the nostalgic favourites ripple through the audience. Brendan Maclean then shifts the pace with a wonderful acoustic rendition of “Stayin’ Alive” performed on guitar.

70s fashion was designed to be attention-grabbing and James Browne’s costume designs certainly embrace this with vibrant colours, batwing sleeves, capes, thigh-high boots, velvet jackets, feathers, sequins and an excess of colour and sparkle.

Matt Marshall’s lighting design bathes the stage in a kaleidoscope of colours, while six mirror balls cast sparkles throughout the room. The stripped-back set allows for more audience seating at both upper and lower levels, while a central catwalk gives the cast ample room to showcase their spectacular circus elements.

Families should note that while Velvet Inferno is recommended for audiences aged twelve and over, several performances are decidedly suggestive, with one sequence pushing well beyond what many would consider family entertainment.

This is an enormously entertaining production bursting with glamour, nostalgia and breathtaking talent. Velvet Inferno invites audiences to dust off their velvet flares and step back into the disco era for a joyful night of sequins, spectacle and unforgettable fun.

5 stars

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Rix Management Velvet Inferno is playing at the Studio, Sydney Opera House in Sydney from 24 July until 13 September 2026.

Run Time: 75 minutes (no interval)

For tickets visit Sydney Opera House