By Susan Harrington
24 hours ago, I saw Ten Thousand Hours by Gravity and Other Myths. Now that my heart has returned to my chest and my jaw has left the floor, I can finally sit to write this review. Ten Thousand Hours is a stunning and breathtaking display of what the human body – and human connection – can achieve. From the moment the performers step onstage, the show radiates discipline and heart. The title hints at the dedication behind mastery, and every lift, leap, and landing makes that commitment tangible.
The physical skill on display is simply phenomenal. The cast combines raw power with grace, moving seamlessly between explosive acrobatics and delicate balances. While it appears effortless, anyone who has ever attempted so much as a push up will appreciate the undeniable strength and discipline they are witnessing. What stands out most though, is the extraordinary trust between the performers. Bodies are launched skyward and caught midair with split-second precision; towering human structures are built and dismantled in the most entrancing of ways. The strength required is astonishing, but it’s the mutual reliance that truly captivates. You can feel that each movement depends entirely on another person being exactly where they need to be.
Yet Ten Thousand Hours is not just a display of athletic excellence. It’s deeply human. Playful glances, moments of comic timing, and flashes of vulnerability weave warmth into the spectacle. The humour feels organic, reminding us that behind these superhuman feats are real people.
A special shout out to the absolute queens of the cast – thank you for inspiring my girls. With every lift, base, and fly, utilising your commanding strength, you made a powerful and refreshing statement: women are strong – unequivocally and unapologetically so. We are fortunate to see our fair share of Fringe shows, and I can honestly say that few of them leave us feeling as empowered and awestruck as this one did. The standing ovation at the end of the performance suggests that perhaps we are not the only ones.
It is now firmly cemented as one of my favourite Fringe shows ever.
Five stars, with thanks.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/ten-thousand-hours-af2026
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