Type: Kids, Circus, Physical theatre, dance
If you liked: Duck Pond, Swan Lake, The Ugly Duckling, Cirque Alice
Pay No Attention: Except no one will be looking away. A high-flying treat for the school holidays.
On a beautiful sunny winter’s day in Sydney, Pay No Attention by Flying Fruit Fly Circus offers a lively escape from the cold with an hour of high-energy entertainment that’s sure to delight children and adults alike.
Performed in the intimate surrounds of the Studio in the Sydney Opera House, the venue is perfectly suited to the show. The audience feels close to the action, allowing every jump, spin and daring feat to land with maximum impact. From the moment the performers burst onto the stage, the energy rarely lets up, delivering one act after another with barely a pause for breath.
Among the standout performances are the mesmerising aerial hoop artists (Ava Hitchcock, Olivia Crawford and Jovita Paul), whose speed, coordination and precision are captivating. The circus performer’s strength, flexibility and effortless grace make some of the show’s most memorable moments. Watching the performers twist, balance and soar through the air is a reminder of the extraordinary athleticism behind circus arts. There are plenty of hair-raising moments that have the audience holding their breath before erupting into applause.
Variety is one of the show’s greatest strengths. Pole climbing, acrobatics, aerial work and, yes, even a human cannonball ensure there’s always something new to capture attention. Younger audience members are unlikely to lose interest, while adults will appreciate the skill, discipline and confidence required to execute these seemingly impossible feats.
Mikey Lira’s composing and sound design adds another playful layer to the performance, shifting from the elegance of a waltz to familiar strains reminiscent of Swan Lake, complementing the changing moods of each act. The beautiful lighting by Richard Vabre allowsfor the audience to be captivated by a dazzling pearl light whilst the stage changes between acts.
The only aspect that feels less successful is the show’s underlying narrative. According to the production, Pay No Attention explores the experience of growing up in an age of fake news, digital manipulation and conflicting truths, encouraging young people to question authority and construct their own identities.
While this is a timely and thought-provoking concept, the connection between that theme and the circus acts isn’t always clear, and the story sometimes feels secondary to the spectacle itself.
Is Pay No Attention Worth Seeing in Sydney?
Pay No Attention succeeds where it matters most: delivering an hour of joyful, family-friendly entertainment filled with impressive circus artistry. If you’re looking for a fun school holiday outing that will keep the kids engaged while giving the adults plenty to admire, Pay No Attention has you covered.
Sometimes the simplest recipe – a sunny Sydney afternoon, a remarkable troupe of performers and an audience ready to be amazed – is all you need for a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
Tickets and Practical Info for Pay No Attention in Sydney 🎟️
Studio, Sydney Opera House
Season: 4-11 July 2026
Tickets: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/kids-families/pay-no-attention
The show runs for 60 mins with no interval.
By Flying Fruit Fly Circus. Directed by Anni Davey OAM.
