Tasmanian circus-specialists Rooke are heading to Adelaide Fringe in 2026 to present Nimble at Fool’s Paradise.
Acrobatic trio show Nimble is described by the company as “a game of Jenga, served in a glass case of emotion” where blocks, boxes and acrobats are stacked and balanced.
According to Rooke, the performance is “a signature blend of high-stakes acrobatics interwoven with surprising moments of comedy and huge (relatable) tantrum drama.”
They say that Adelaide audiences should expect the humour and fun of Australian contemporary circus with a Tasmanian twist: bigger emotions and careful balancing with high-stakes, high-stacked falls.
Nimble is directed by Conor Wild (Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize) and created in collaboration with Freyja Wild (Circus Oz, The Seven Fingers), Cecilia Martin (Circa), and Jamie Bretman (Trash Test Dummies).
The show has toured to over twenty towns across Tasmania and in 2025, Nimble headlined the Canberra Circus Festival.
“Adelaide Fringe is Australia’s biggest arts festival, and a thriving marketplace for industry professionals from all over the world,” said Rooke’s artistic director, Freyja Wild.
“For us, getting Nimble over to Fringe is huge – and quite frankly a big risk. We have to sell 75 tickets per show across our run of shows to break even. Wish us luck!”
“Our commitment is, as ever, to good work and good pay for our artists as well as a really fun time for our audiences.
“We’d love your help to make this mission a success! You can do so by heading to Nimble at Fringe yourself, sending your Adelaide friends along, or making a tax-deductible donation via our website rooke.org.au.”
About Rooke
Based in Launceston, Rooke were the only Tasmanian company to be a recipient of Fringe Foundation support to present their show at one of Australia’s foremost arts festivals.
Founded by artists Tony Rooke, Mieke Lizotte, Lewie West, Conor Wild and Freyja Wild. Rooke’s artists have performed with companies like Cirque du Soleil, Circa, The Seven Fingers, Gravity and Other Myths and Circus Oz. Their highlight works include Interloper, Wilds, Nook, UpLate, Tony’s Imaginary Circus and Nimble.
Fool’s Paradise at the Fringe
Fool’s Paradise is a hot, new fringe destination. Situated at the centre of the CBD in the southern half of Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square) Fool’s Paradise is an epicentre of activity for the Fringe. Presenting unique venues, each with “a fun, dumb and daring program of circus, physical theatre, comedy, music and magic, and an equally impressive program of food and beverage offerings from local South Australian producers. Better than a holiday – come and play at Fool’s Paradise.”
Tour dates and Locations
March 4, Greek Community Club – Coober Pedy
March 7-22, Fool’s Paradise – Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga, Victoria Square, Adelaide,
Bookings
All dates are now on sale and links to purchase tickets can be found at https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/nimble-af2026
A link to Rooke’s fundraising page for this tour can be found at https://artists.australianculturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000VD98TMAT/nimble-goes-to-the-mainland
Images supplied.
