Lucky Pigeons is a circus show with real heart, and a story that is simultaneously satisfying and leaves you wanting more. Touching on themes of homelessness and belonging with sensitivity and spirit.
Rika Fujimoto stars as the heroine, who just wants to go about her day. Already hampered by the rain, she’s just about to settle down and enjoy a sandwich when some pesky pigeons come and spoil play. This is a problem many a Brightonian in the audience will empathise with, as our food remains under constant threat from seagulls.
This early section of the show is simple but perfect. Fujimoto has a wonderful naïveté and stage presence that is so delightful to watch. As the sequin-spangled pigeons continually sabotage her attempts to settle down with a sandwich, the audience soon see that they are in for a wonderful show.
Taking in puppetry, circus, clowning and acrobatics, there’s never a dull moment in the centre ring. Each pigeon and performer takes their moment in the spotlight, swinging masterfully round the central roost ring, sharing fresh-from-the-nest eggs and collaborating with their fellow performers. There’s such humour in every detail, the timing is impeccable, and the audience love both the pigeons and the protagonist. Despite early sandwich-based challenges, will they yet become friends?
Top of the flock goes to Ben Kaufman, whose acrobatic antics dazzle the audience. There’s the odd barely-noticeable clumsy moment from others in the crew, but one of the wonderful things about BrainFools is the way they communicate. There are micro-gestures and momentary glances to adapt moves, and the day is soon saved. It’s an emotional thing to watch. They literally and figuratively have each other’s backs.
The final scenes are poignant, and Fujimoto shows her grace as a circus performer in these moments. The storyline is strong, and the ending doesn’t disappoint. It’s special, so no spoilers to see here.
We’re watching at 10am on a Sunday morning, and there’s more than one person feeling a little bleary-eyed in the audience when they arrive. Not for long, though. The thing that’s most noteworthy is that everyone is smiling, continuously. Solo adults, couples, and children – who sit in wide-eyed wonder, mouths hanging open – alike. It’s a rare occurrence to watch something that has completely universal appeal, that will bring the utmost joy to your inner child. This reviewer considers herself a lucky pigeon indeed to have taken a chance on this cheering, charming show.
Reviewed on 18 May 2025.
