Many circus-style performances begin with the easiest act first, gradually building up the wow factor to the finale.

But dancer Chelsea, of three-strong Australian company Circa, started as she intended to go on by climbing on to fellow performer David's head, balancing there unaided for several seconds and then gracefully hopping down.

The trio constantly checked the time-piece visible at the side of the stage and took turns to announce the often-humorous title of each act, such as "pleasure and pain" and "squeeze bum through hoop".

Third member Darcy also manned the decks, providing a soundtrack of fast-paced remixes including New Order's Blue Monday and Survivor's Eye Of The Tiger, plus scratching and sound effects fitting the facial expressions of the performers during the more daring stunts.

Uber-fit Chelsea continued with a high-wire walk on tiptoes, followed by the splits atop the same tightrope. Also a master of trapeze and hula-hooping, she swung around like a monkey and kept a hoop spinning on her foot as she rolled into different positions on the floor.

Darcy's skills included juggling with five clubs and performing handstands while simultaneously rolling across the length of the stage on a skateboard. Particularly amazing was his ability to dislocate his shoulder and wrap his arm round his neck.

David demonstrated astonishing balance and muscle strength with a unicycle skipping act and a handstand on three fingers.

The trio finished in a frantic race against the clock, locking limbs and revolving round the stage in a feat which lifted Chelsea off the ground.

The combination of acts - some unbelievable, others humorously naff or botched - together with the likeable performers, audience participation and breathless pace, made for a greatly entertaining and highly-recommended family show.