If you’re looking to get your dose of culture this September, then look no further than the Sydney Fringe Festival. With 490 shows showcasing the incredible talents of over 2,900 artists across 83 different venues from 1-30 September, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for the entire month.
Never ones to miss out on a good time, we got stuck in early doors with a performance by this year’s headlining act, Head First Acrobats, at the Fool’s Paradise venue in the Entertainment Quarter. Dubbed ‘Cirque du Soleil meets Magic Mike’, HFA’s latest show, Elixir Revived, promised to be jaw-droppingly breathtaking on multiple levels — and so it was.
What to expect at Elixir Revived
Fresh off a successful run in London’s West End as well as stints at Perth and Adelaide Fringe Festivals earlier this year, Head First Acrobats are award-winning, seasoned Aussie performers you’ll love to watch.
Part circus, part sexy, and part slapstick comedy, Elixir Revived follows a bunch of acrobatic scientists as they attempt to create the elixir of life. As they test out different doses and their side effects, you’ll see all sorts of wild demonstrations of strength, flexibility, and then some! Think aerial acrobatics, gymnastics, knife throwing and more.
There’s a healthy amount of incredibly ripped torsos to be enjoyed throughout this performance, but if you’re expecting full-on Magic Mike vibes, you should calm thyself and lower thine expectations ever so slightly. This is more crazy acrobatics paired with tongue-in-cheek flirty playfulness and plenty of comedy to boot. It’s fun, impressive, and entertaining in equal measure. You’ll laugh out loud several times and hide behind your hands at least once during their many, many stunts. And, at a run time of 55 minutes, it’s short, sweet, and just saucy enough!
What else is on at Sydney Fringe Festival 2025?
We highly recommend Elixir Revived as a fun night out with friends. But, if bums, biceps, and beautiful bodies aren’t your thing (no judgment), there are plenty of other options to explore at this year’s festival.
From the Cabaret Hub at Marrickville Town Hall to the interactive Korean dinner experience, Feast at Hurstville Entertainment Centre, there’s no shortage of options. And, if you’re looking for ways to entertain little ones this September, there’s a Fringe Kids program too.
Where can I see Elixir Revived at the Sydney Fringe Festival?
To find what tickles your fancy, check out the full Sydney Fringe Festival line-up.
Location: Fool’s Paradise, The Entertainment Quarter, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021
Dates: 29th August – 12th October 2025 (Tuesday-Sunday)
Tickets: $45 – $49, available at https://sydneyfringe.com/events/elixir-revived/