The circus-burlesque-cabaret spectacular La Ronde (by creators Strut & Fret) arrives in Melbourne after a whopping 260-show residency in Sydney, and is an energetic mashup of individual performances to wow, amuse and titillate.

We’re talking a mini Cirque de Soleil and this is meant literally in two ways; the name of the show (cirque means circle in French while la ronde means the round), and the stage itself in this Melbourne incarnation is truly compact, measuring by the eye at about 3-4 metres. You’ll be dazzled at the contortions that can fit in this small space and of course, the seating matches with rows of 4-5 sections spiralling outwards in a truly intimate setting. It’s ideal for a show like this, delivering maximum impact, the performers admirable physiques are a mere arm’s reach away for the front row. And be warned if you do choose this seat – you may become part of the performance itself.

As soon as the giant mirror ball appears, draped with the gorgeous frame of Dorival Junco from Cuba/Spain. The Melbourne cast is an international cocktail of sweet and spicy elements, ranging from New Zealand “hair-hanging sensation”  Zoe Kelly to flying-pole aerialist Sergiy Mishchurenko (from Ukraine). All of them deliver astounding moments that range from sensual to gasp-worthy, and all of them will make you want to work on your core strength. And maybe get a tattoo.

La Ronde is a delicious and heady night that will make you wonder at the human form; its strength, grace and power. These performers have worked damn hard to be in the shape they’re in, and they each work their chosen props, from rope trapeze to burning ladders with finesse and ease. But the impression is not purely physical; each of them allows a distinct personality to peek through, whether challenging or cheeky, and it creates an electrifying atmosphere in the vicinity of striptease that has manifested in modern burlesque, and some of the best parts of busking too.

A standout in the latter style is circus artist and comedian David Eriksson from Sweden. In an outfit reminiscent of Keith Flint from the Prodigy if he was obsessed with pink, he delivers a hilarious routine involving a touch of audience participation, delightfully subverting crowd expectations and with unerring comic timing… all underscored by the most gravelly punk voice.

The show is conceived and directed by Scott Maidment, who also does an impressive job as music curator – it’s crammed with high-energy songs you know and love, but with a rock or dance edge. Australian Adam Malone’s routine is accompanied by a techno version of ‘Born to be Wild’ that would belong in a Berlin rave. All performances are bathed in the most flattering lighting design (by Harry O’Mera) that seems to highlight every aspect of musculature and curve. There are stilettos, heart-shaped confetti, a dance routine involving white shirts that is understated and very hot. There is a taste for every craving and a scratch for practically every itch.

Take your lover, take your work crew or just take (and lose) yourself. La Ronde is a sensational show where you never know what’s coming next and can’t wait to find out.