Cantina is a short and eccentric cabaret show headlining at Southbank’s Priceless London Wonderground, in the Udderbelly venue. Fresh from tours of Australia and Europe, the petite cast are gleefully confident on stage, prancing about with no apparent fear.

Chilling and dangerously dark at times, this production will certainly hold your attention. Created specifically for a spiegeltent, this cosy environment suits the production perfectly. It is not your average cabaret, this show is definitely more sultry than sexy. The impressive pain the performers seem to endure is wincingly captivating though scarily disturbing at times. Some acts are better than others, I found the silly baby voice of Chelsea McGuffin, along with the heel stomping and bottle balancing, immensely irritating and unnecessary. It is slender, wide-eyed Finnish contortionist Henna Kaikula who interested and impressed me most, her lyrical movements and secretive nature are alluring to watch.

The acts focus on the precarious relationships between men and women. Some of the choreography is dark and aggressive, balletic dance develops into harsh movements. Whilst this is powerful and entrancing, I wonder quite how necessary the violent abusive insinuations are. I feel particularly pained for David Carberry who endures the brunt of the hostility.

It is a lovely extra to have live music on stage while the acts commence, the lilting melodies and gentle rhythms add an exhilarating energy to the production and gives the proceedings edge. It is well thought through and there are moments of humour although I am not entirely sure about the naked newspaper scene, you’ll have to go to understand this as I’m too embarrassed to explain!

These talented artists twist and contort for our amusement, and judging by the audience reaction their sombre circus is a resounding triumph. I have some reservations but commend the cast on a well composed and perfected piece of dramatic work.

Continues until 30 September, more information here.