Big Sky review: Acrobatic magic to amaze the whole family
There aren’t many buildings in the world quite like the Sydney Opera House. Its iconic sails are even more impressive up close as you discover the millions of perfect shiny little tiles that make up their shells.
I have some incredible memories of going to (and even performing at) events at the Opera House as a child. So when I saw their line-up of family shows these school holidays, it was the perfect opportunity to create happy memories for my girls too.
And I wasn’t wrong.
A morning out at the Opera House
On Sunday morning we went along to see Big Sky in the Studio in the Opera House. I didn’t tell the girls anything about the show in anticipation, and they had no idea what they were in for. It did not disappoint.
Big Sky is a Flying Fruit Fly Circus production that follows 12 characters aged 11-18, through a magical night of mischief and wonder.
The artistic director Anni Davey explains that “Big Sky is about adolescence – that liminal time between childhood and adulthood as experienced by regional Australian kids… We have employed unusual staging, a bespoke soundscape, and a light environment that places us in that time between child and adult, night and day, wake and asleep. Our show starts with a sunset and finishes with a sunrise – the big sky space where magic is possible.”
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Real life action to impress even the smallest critics
Each of my girls, despite their different ages, was utterly transfixed by the stunning acrobatics of the young performers from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Their jaws dropped at every leap, somersault, and daring stunt. They spoke about it all day, and I’m fairly certain my 9-year-old wants to join the circus now (wish me luck).
One of the things that made the experience so memorable for us was seeing real-life big kids showcasing incredible strength and talent. It made everything even more impressive for my kids. Our world is so full of AI and CGI that we become desensitised to the incredible, so seeing real kids doing such amazing things was a true treat.
My neurodivergent daughter is constantly climbing things to get her dopamine hit, so she was particularly enthralled by the idea that you could do this professionally – and that your parents would approve.
Hair-raising acrobatics
From dazzling aerial silks, lyra and trapeze, to flips, tumbles, and scrambling up and down poles. I didn’t sit back in my seat the whole performance and I’m pretty sure our jaws were permanently wide open.
The moment one of the boys flew face first down the pole, only to stop himself mere centimetres from the floor, set off the adrenaline and the whole audience erupted with equal parts amazement and relief. (I wonder if his parents can watch the show without having a panic!)
The Kiindred mini-reviewer’s verdict
Here’s what our Kiindred Mini-reviewers thought:
Miss 5: “I liked the bit where the boy disappeared. I didn’t like it when it was dark, but my favourite thing was when they were all swinging from the roof and hanging upside down.”
Miss 7: “The tricks in the air, and all the flips were amazing! I thought it was really funny when Elliot couldn’t get down! I want to go and see it again!”
Miss 9: “I want to learn how to do all of the things they did! Especially the one where they hang from the silks and swing from the roof! It was so awesome!”
Something for everyone this school hols at The Sydney Opera House
While we all loved Big Sky from start to finish, the Opera House itself was a memorable part of the experience. After the show we were lucky enough to meet the cast and get a sneaky happy snap, followed by a bite to eat while taking in the world’s best views of the Opera House and the
Harbour Bridge. Even as Sydney locals, it’s still a total treat to visit ‘the house’, and one we plan to repeat for years to come.
If you’re looking for something memorable to do with the kids these school holidays, Big Sky is on until the 5th of October. They also have an impressive line-up of other family shows and workshops to choose from. Or, get in early and pre-book for one of the upcoming Christmas and Holiday shows.
The complete line-up and tickets can be found on their website.
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