Opening night of the 2026 Adelaide Fringe had one job: set the bar sky-high. And La Ronde from Strut & Fret didn’t just clear it, they strutted over it in six-inch heels, covered in sparkles, under a shower of glitter.
Five stars. No hesitation.
From the moment we stepped into The Garden of Unearthly Delights, you could feel it. That electric Fringe buzz.
The sunshine, the music drifting between tents, the celebratory hum of a city ready to party. Opening night energy always carries something special, but this year felt bigger. Bolder.
We soaked up the opening party atmosphere with a glass or two at the new Cooper’s Bar, already shaping up to be one of the standout additions to The Garden this season. Pre-show drinks were hosted inside the stunning new Glasshouse function space, light-filled, beautifully styled and effortlessly chic.
It’s the perfect prelude to a girls’ night or an elevated date night before heading into the main event. If this is the 2026 glow-up for The Garden, we’re very much here for it.
The Magic of the Spiegeltent
One of my all-time favourite Fringe venues, the Spiegeltent is steeped in history. Dating back to late 19th-century Europe, these mirrored travelling dance halls were designed for glamour, spectacle and gathering. You can feel that heritage the moment you step inside. The curved wood. The mirrors. The intimacy.
La Ronde takes full advantage of the space. Performed in the round, there is no bad seat in the house. Every turn offers a different perspective. Every moment feels close enough to touch.
You don’t just watch this show … you’re immersed in it.
“La Ronde is everything you want from a Fringe night out … bold, beautiful and unapologetically fabulous.”
Sparkle, Strength and Sensuality
Costumes. Sparkles. Mesmerising movement.
No dialogue is needed. Dance and performance become the global language. Whether it’s heavy metal pulsing through the tent or the hypnotic slow burn of Donna Summer’s I Feel Love, the show speaks fluently to every audience member.
And let’s talk about the utter talent that forms La Ronde’s cast. WOW!
The strength on stage is nothing short of extraordinary. Bodies move with power, control and precision.
- Diana Bondarenko from Berlin performs exclusively for La Ronde and commands the stage with fierce European elegance.
- Gigi McFarlane from Barcelona brings undeniable fire.
- LJ Marles from the UK makes their La Ronde debut with charisma that radiates across the room.
- Danik Abishev might be small, but he quite literally lights up the tent in one of the evening’s most gasp-worthy sequences.
- Sergiy Mishchurenko from Ukraine delivers a magnetic presence that is both commanding and captivating.
And finally;
- David from Sweden … where pink is his favourite colour, and you never know WHAT he’s going to do next!
It’s erotically charged without a single word being spoken. A true masterclass in how physical performance can be daring, artistic and completely mesmerising all at once.
Every act flows seamlessly. Every transition feels intentional.
Grown-Up Fringe at Its Finest
Strut & Fret have long mastered the sweet spot between naughty and breathtaking. Over the years, they’ve brought Adelaide everything from jaw-dropping circus cabaret to high-voltage variety that blends athleticism with attitude.
They understand spectacle.
They understand seduction.
And they know exactly how to deliver a night out that feels indulgent.
Let’s be clear. This is not family Fringe. This is grown-up Fringe.
Bold. Cheeky. Seductive. Confident.
Some moments feel almost too daring to look at, and yet you can’t look away. The sensuality is artful rather than crude. The strength is empowering rather than performative.
It’s cheeky, sexy, empowering and seriously jaw-dropping★★★★★
It’s eye candy with intention. Glamour dialled all the way up.
And then there are the sparkles.
So many sparkles.
The Verdict: Book It
La Ronde is the kind of show that works across the board.
✓ Girls’ night out? Perfect.
✓ Date night that needs a little spark? Absolutely.
✓ Catching up with friends and wanting something memorable? Book it.
Captivating from start to finish. Bigger. Bolder. Completely immersive.
As the headline act of the 2026 Adelaide Fringe, La Ronde proves exactly why Strut & Fret continue to sit at the top of the Fringe hierarchy.
They don’t just entertain — they command attention.
And trust me… you’ll leave smiling.
La Ronde is playing at The Garden of Unearthly Delights until Sunday, 22nd March. Ticket pricing varies depending on the show and seating choice. Grab yours here.
