Heading to the Sydney Opera House for an evening performance with the kids always feels like a truly special occasion. It is the kind of night that calls for a little extra sparkle, a carefully chosen outfit, and perhaps a special drink before stepping inside and finding our seats beneath those iconic sails..
Last night was Princess’s turn to experience something genuinely magical. The evening had been kept secret right up until it was time to get ready, and at her age, magical thinking is still very much alive and thriving. So we leaned right into it, transforming her into Cinderella for the night before setting off for the Sydney Opera House.
From the moment we arrived, we were ready to be swept away by Circa’s extraordinary storytelling, where ballet, fairy tales and breathtaking circus skills are woven together in an inventive and enchanting reimagining of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling. It was the kind of night where imagination takes the lead and the real world happily waits outside.
Duck Pond is a joyful and bold reimagining of much-loved classics, blending elegance with playfulness and moments of pure silliness. The production moves effortlessly between humour and heart, drawing audiences into a timeless good-versus-evil story while showcasing Circa’s remarkable physical storytelling and astonishing acrobatic skill.
Overview of Duck Pond
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Circa has captivated audiences around the globe, reaching more than two million people across six continents and over 45 countries. Renowned for performances that are both emotionally resonant and technically breathtaking, the Australian company has reshaped how circus is experienced, elevating it into a powerful contemporary art form.
At the helm is Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz, whose visionary approach has earned international recognition. In 2025, he was named the recipient of the International Society for the Performing Arts’ Distinguished Artist Award, placing him among an extraordinary group of creative icons including Leonard Bernstein, Joan Sutherland and Uncle Jack Charles.
Presented in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, the season follows a completely sold-out run at London’s Royal Festival Hall and forms part of a major Australian tour, with performances planned in 17 locations nationwide.
Duck Pond has been developed in collaboration with leading arts organisations, including QPAC, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, The Art House Wyong, Frankston Arts Centre, HOTA Home of the Arts, Merrigong Theatre Company and Orange Civic Theatre.
Our Review of Duck Pond
It was the perfect sweaty Saturday night in Sydney, the kind of evening that reminds you exactly why live performance is so powerful. Duck Pond was, without question, one of the most spectacular pieces of theatre we have ever seen. We had tears in our eyes – it was so breathtaking. Princess declared it her favourite show she has ever seen and honestly, we could not disagree.
The acrobatics were elite. Truly the best we have ever witnessed. Princess kept whispering, “How Mum? How?” whenever she could pick her jaw up off the floor. The performers were extraordinary. Immensely strong and impeccably rehearsed, yet so effortless it felt as though they were weightless. The opening moments in particular were mesmerising with fluid, flexible and gentle movement that somehow also conveyed immense power. The calibre of both the performers and the artistic team was absolutely next level.
There was no spoken dialogue aside from an occasional quack, yet the storytelling was phenomenal. The drama teacher in me was completely in awe. The show is a stunning fusion of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling told through choreography, music, lighting and breathtaking visual tableaux. Every detail worked together flawlessly, including the symbolism, costume shifts in mood, and seamless transitions. It was playful and deeply moving all at once.
Princess grasped the storyline in a basic sense, but truthfully, even if she had not, she still would have been captivated. The sheer standard of acrobatics, movement and physical storytelling was enough. As a cheerleader who previously did acro, this was right up her alley. We were both on the edge of our seats, cringing, gasping and jumping with nerves during the epic stunts yet also feeling joy, empathy, and understanding purely through movement, lighting and sound. The show guided us to feel the story without us even realising it.
There were so many standout moments. Princess adored the duck army, finding them utterly hilarious and loved the playful pillow scene. The seductive black swan sequence in high heels made her cringe in the very best ‘how on earth is this even possible?’ way. Every character was exceptional, from the prince to the black swan, white swan and Cupid, but the ensemble as a whole was outstanding. The aerial acrobatics were jaw-dropping as were the floor-based stunts with endless lifts, flips, throws and catches that defied logic.
Just when we thought the show was over, the performers broke the fourth wall, dismantling the set and shedding costumes on stage before reigniting the performance with a raw circus-style energy. Watching them repurpose props and use a hula hoop in ways I still cannot comprehend was exhilarating.
This was a truly phenomenal experience and one that will stay with Princess for a very long time. It was absolutely a core memory moment, one of those magical light ball memories that lodges itself forever. She felt so grown up, loved the one one-on-one time and adored being out at night. There is something undeniably special about a nighttime show in summer in Sydney, and this evening was nothing short of magical.
Quick Verdict
This show is an absolute must-see for families and theatre lovers in Sydney. With world-class acrobatics, powerful visual storytelling and breathtaking choreography, it delivers both heart-stopping thrills and genuine emotional connection.
Even without dialogue, the story is easy to follow and deeply felt, making it accessible for children while still astonishing adults. Playful, funny, and profoundly moving, this is the kind of live performance that creates lasting memories and reminds you why theatre matters.
Where to See Duck Pond
Circa’s Duck Pond is currently playing at the Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall until Monday, 12 January.
The show then tours to Melbourne (Princess Theatre, Jan 14-25) and then the Gold Coast (HOTA, Mar 6-7) before commencing a regional tour of WA in late March.
Head to our Sydney Theatre for Kids or Melbourne Theatre for Kids listings to find a production perfect for you and your family.
Official images by photographer Daniel Pond. All other images by KC.
KC and Princess attended Duck Pond as guests of the Sydney Opera House team.