Campfire Ignites Perth's Fringe World with Intimate Circus Horror
Perth's Fringe World 2026 is set to sizzle with the debut of Campfire, a brand-new production that promises to bring audiences up close and personal with its thrilling blend of circus and physical theatre. Created by Melbourne-based multidisciplinary performance company Split Focus, this one-hour show is making its Perth premiere after clinching the 2024 WA Touring award at the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
A Tale of Bushland Terror and Male Connection
Campfire weaves a horror-meets-comedy narrative, following two mates, portrayed by Louis Green and Griffin Hooper, as they camp in the bush and find themselves stalked by a mysterious spirit. The production is designed to immerse audiences in an intimate physical experience, with performers so close that spectators in the front row will feel the acrobatics unfolding right in their laps.
Griffin Hooper, a Tasmanian-born graduate of the National Institute of Circus Arts, brings a wealth of expertise to the show, specialising in hoop diving, swinging trapeze, and the Chinese pole. His background includes performances with Circus Oz and training with Cirque du Soleil, adding a layer of professional polish to the production.
Family Ties and Artistic Inspiration
Hooper's passion for the performing arts is deeply rooted in his family history. Both of his parents are professional actors, with his father having performed with Circus Oz in the 1980s. This upbringing surrounded him with stories of the circus and frequent visits from acrobats at the dinner table, making the world of performance feel incredibly accessible and real from a young age.
"I am incredibly fortunate to have parents who have worked in the same profession as me," Hooper reflects. "They have offered the greatest support I could ask for during the many highs and lows of life as a performing artist."
Venue and Performance Details
The Campfire team is excited to make their Perth debut at the iconic Fringe hub, The Pleasure Garden, specifically in the intimate setting of The Gold Digger. Hooper notes that the venue excels at creating a close-knit performance space, which has been a key focus in their preparation.
"We have been developing the work to bring the circus as close to the audience as possible, while keeping them and us absolutely safe," he explains. The show features large and flashy acrobatics tricks, designed to thrill audiences with their proximity and intensity.
Campfire will run at The Gold Digger at The Pleasure Garden from February 4 to 15, offering a unique opportunity for Perth audiences to experience circus arts in an unprecedented intimate format.
Fringe World 2026: A Staple of Perth's Summer Culture
Now in its 15th year, Fringe World has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Perth's summer cultural calendar. This year's festival boasts over 3000 artists performing approximately 600 shows across more than 100 venues, stretching from Rockingham to Joondalup. More than half of the program consists of new acts, spanning a diverse range of genres including cabaret, circus, dance, mime, magic, and kids' shows.
While big names often draw crowds, the festival also highlights lesser-known productions that deserve attention. Here are six under-the-radar shows to consider for your 2026 Fringe experience:
- The Routine: A surreal solo mime show by Canadian performer Joylyn Secunda, blending elements of Death of a Salesman and Mr Bean in a story about a lonely office worker discovering a mystical portal.
- Age of Reason: A Love Letter to Coming of Age and John Farnham: A cabaret tribute to Aussie rock icon John Farnham, making its Fringe debut by local singer Jayda D'Agostino.
- Reframed Horizons: An exhibition by Edith Cowan University Professor Panizza Allmark, featuring bold documentary photography from around the globe, accompanied by a free artist talk at Ellenbrook Arts gallery.
- The Divine Comedy: Stand-up comedian Anthony Locascio from Sydney makes his Perth Fringe debut with a show about his experiences at a silent meditation retreat after personal turmoil.
- The Day After the End of the World: An intimate drama presented by the University Dramatic Society, WA's oldest independent theatre company, showcasing local student artists at the Midland Junction Arts Centre.
Fringe World 2026 runs from January 21 to February 15, offering a vibrant array of performances that celebrate creativity and community in Perth.
