Billed as an exploration of self-discovery and self-image, Adelaide circus company Gravity and Other Myths’ newest Fringe show, The Mirror, has lofty aspirations. In fact, it is probably the most ambitious of GOM’s shows to date. 

And, when you witness performers standing stacked in a human tower four-high, there’s a clear indication of the physical measures they’re willing to go to to reach these new heights.

Circus-style acts blend seamlessly with contemporary dance and musical mashups to take the audience on a journey looking at the image we project to ourselves and the world, and whether or not it’s something they want to see.

It opens with an old-school boom box sitting centre stage and musical composer and host Ekrem Eli Phoenix, clad only in white underwear and a robe. As his powerful voice commands our attention, snapshots of the acrobatic performers are revealed from behind a black curtain in a ‘peep show’ effect.

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This seamlessly moves into a sequence where performers moving along on either side of Phoenix mirror each other, rippling across the narrow stage like water.

There’s perhaps a stronger emphasis on music and choreography than some of the other GOM shows, more beauty to the awe-inspiring acrobatic skills we’ve come to know and love from this company.

There are more props too — selfie sticks and LED light strips (used to great effect) — balanced with pared back (sometimes almost non-existent!) costumes predominantly in nudes and blacks.

There’s humour too: a highlight being Phoenix’s vocal mashup of countless songs, all sung while he’s projected onto a ‘door-like’ screen, scaffolding various physical routines, and even running through the gardens of Gluttony at one point. It’s one highly entertaining, hedonistic selfie. 

Does The Mirror completely reach the incredibly lofty heights it sets out for itself? Maybe not quite, with the show’s overarching message getting a little diluted in a couple of acts. But it is certainly 70 minutes of rapturously entertaining physical theatre and song that you should not miss.

Gravity and Other Myths has become a mainstay of the Adelaide Fringe scene — in fact, the company marks its 15th anniversary at our biggest arts event this year. And with shows like this, we’re sure to see them continue to sell out venues every festival season.

The Mirror is in Gluttony until 23 March

Read more 2025 Adelaide Fringe coverage here on InReview