If this production was to be reviewed as a straightforward circus show, there would be very little negative to say. The circus acts, for the most part are well drilled and very slick. The cast clearly know their roles well, work incredibly successfully as a team and they take part in some absolutely breath-taking stunts – truly impressive.
The problem arises with the fact that this is not a straightforward circus show, but instead is based around a loose narrative of a surprise party for someone called Sophie. The fact that it is apparently her 29th birthday means little for the content of the show, other than a few party hats, and that a member of the audience is selected at the start to be Sophie. That person is duly taken away so that a surprise party can be planned for her. Much of this action happened before the show began, while the audience were still being seated, so it was very easy to miss the premise entirely and go through the whole show not quite understanding who Sophie was and what was being done for her birthday.
The skill of the rope performer, the roller skaters and the uni-cyclist were absolutely evident, and they interacted with the audience in an often humorous and clever way, but none of what they did or said really fit with the narrative of the surprise birthday party which then made it feel entirely redundant. Although the show was a lot of fun to watch, even jaw-dropping in places, the surprise birthday party concept just did not work.
Either a more detailed, clearer narrative is needed or the concept should be ditched completely so that the death defying feats take centre stage and audiences can enjoy this show for what it is, a series of brilliant stunts executed by exceptional circus performers. A pleasant, if slightly bewildering hour.
Runs until 26 August 2023 | Image: Contributed
