It’s the final weekend of Fringe – here’s what you shouldn’t miss

It’s the final weekend of the Melbourne Fringe Festival, with several shows still running that critics and audiences alike have praised. Among them are Ocker by Na Djinang Circus, Little Squirt by Darby James, and Creepy Boys by SLUGS, each offering unique experiences for attendees. These performances highlight the diversity and intensity of the festival, which has drawn crowds throughout its duration. Ocker, presented by the First Nations-led Na Djinang Circus, continues at Federation Square until October 25. The performance features five performers who engage directly with the audience, navigating through the space with acrobatic stunts and dynamic choreography. Set against a backdrop of dramatic, otherworldly music, the show evokes a pre-colonial era, with the troupe moving through the crowd as if hunting before gathering on a platform. The performers incorporate Indigenous knowledge into their movements, emulating animals and cultural practices. Props such as a ladder and a trolley are used creatively, with the performers balancing on the ladder's rungs and using it as train tracks for a trolley, symbolizing a raft drifting along the Yarra River. Described as surprising and ever-moving, the show has received top ratings from reviewers. Little Squirt, performed by Darby James at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute until October 24, explores themes of identity, legacy, and the ethical implications of parenthood for a cis gay man. Premiered in 2023 under the title Spunk Daddy, the show marks its 100th performance at the festival. James, dressed as a seaman, balances humor with profound reflections, managing to elicit both raucous laughter and moments of stunned silence from the audience. Technical difficulties during the opening night added an unexpected layer of intimacy to the performance, enhancing its emotional impact. The show has been highly acclaimed, earning top ratings from critics. At SLUGS Meat Market, Creepy Boys runs until October 17. This Canadian duo, S.E. Grummett and Sam Kruger, brings a chaotic blend of absurdity and existential dread to the stage. Known for their nomination for Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the act includes explicit content, with performers displaying genitalia adorned with googly eyes, threatening audience members with guns, and offering raunchy services too graphic for print. Despite the adult themes, free candy is distributed to the crowd, creating a contrast between the show’s edgy content and its playful elements. The performance features intentionally poor puppetry, including a poorly voiced rendition of Joni Mitchell, and the performers occasionally cosplay as a horse. Described as “Play School on crack,” the show is both bewildering and thought-provoking, appealing to fans of unconventional comedy. Each of these performances reflects the varied nature of the Fringe Festival, showcasing everything from traditional circus acts rooted in Indigenous culture to deeply personal cabarets and boundary-pushing comedy. As the festival draws to a close, these shows offer a fitting finale for attendees seeking memorable and impactful experiences.