Circus
by Head First Acrobats
The Big Top
Friday 6th February

This energetic, comical and endearing show has something for everyone. The writers and performers cram skilful circus stunts, crazy dance moves, classic character types, and some good old fashioned slapstick into an entertaining and off beat sci-fi narrative.

The three are no doubt skilled acrobats. The tricks and skills on display are a testament to years of hard work and determination. While many of the gags and tropes of this performance are familiar, borrowed from their seniors and reminiscent of traditional circus archetypes, they are delivered with flair and good humour.

The standout was no doubt the clown (Rowan Thomas). A lovable and clumsy character that is upstaged at every turn and always willing to turn the other cheek, tongue included. His roué Cyr performance was funny and stunning, a beautiful mixture of physical skill and performative flair.

Thomas Gorman and Cal Harris also excelled at their specialties. They presented an edge-of-your-seat ladder act and some inspirational hand balancing, all capped with a vibrant and cheeky teeterboard act. These two played their roles well and played off each other wonderfully. Their showboating was entertaining, and balanced superbly by their humble and bumbling friend. I would have liked to see Rowan Thomas utilised more, and their relationship to have been stronger and more inclusive at the end.

It was great observing the scientists change throughout the experiment, and I thought the genesis of the zombie infection was an interesting twist. The humour is by no means clever but it fits the performers and characters well. Elixir is a great show from these three young men and hints at a promising future ahead.

Head First Acrobats will be performing Elixir in the Big Top at the Pleasure Garden at 7:15 pm every night until the 11th of February.
To buy tickets or fine more information visit the Fringe program here.