Darryl J Carrington’s Out of the Box is a joyful celebration of clowning, mime, and circus play that charms audiences of every age. Performed in an intimate black box theatre, the show feels worlds away from the noisy, chaotic Royal Mile street acts – the spotlight firmly on Carrington as he transforms the simplest props into endless sources of laughter and delight.
The format is deceptively simple: a big, mysterious box that produces trick shots, circus skills, and uproarious surprises. Each time it opens, a fresh adventure begins – from a tennis ball that sings to a front-flipping puppy complete with sweatbands. The mix of silliness and skill is pitched perfectly for families, and the atmosphere is strikingly pressure-free: Carrington is never out to embarrass, instead gently encouraging participation and always making himself the butt of the joke when needed.
His comic timing is underscored by inspired musical choices – where else would you see Eminem paired with a toothbrush-balancing trick? – and audience participation routines that range from intricate teapot-and-cup chaos to yoga ball mayhem that had the audience cheering wildly. The comedy is largely non-verbal, relying on playful facial expressions and physical exaggeration, which not only makes the humour universal but also instantly endears him to the crowd.
The slowish opening is soon forgotten as the show gathers pace, layering small gags with bigger set pieces, until the audience is in fits of laughter. Children aged three to eight were in stitches, teenagers chuckled along, and parents and grandparents were equally caught up in the fun. By the end, the entire room felt united in shared silliness.
Carrington’s gift lies in his kindness as a performer – quick to laugh at himself, always ensuring that volunteers feel safe, never ridiculed. It’s this generosity, combined with his clever inventiveness and boundless energy, that leaves the audience glowing.
By the finale, the crowd left buzzing, and this reviewer couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of the day. Out of the Box is proof that simple props, skilful clowning, and a huge heart can create something truly magical.
Runs until 25th August 2025.
