Circus
by Trash Test Dummies
Teatro 1 – Perth Cultural Center
Saturday 31st January
Review by Justine Spencer

I have to be completely honest here: I’ve never been to the circus. Not even Cirque du Soleil. Leading up to seeing the Trash Test Dummies, I filled my head with expectations based off Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Carnivorous Carnival or American Horror Story: Freak Show. I even thought it might be similar to Stomp. But it’s safe to say Trash Test Dummies did not meet these admittedly high expectations.

I was hopeful of the show’s potential when the acrobatic trio took selfies of themselves and the crowd like it was the 2014 Oscars, but as the show progressed, I quickly realised it was going to be a long hour watching this trio speak gibberish while mucking about with wheelie bins.

Granted, they had me laughing when they impersonated the opening scene of The Lion King using a smiley ball as a substitute for Simba, and I had a chuckle at their imitation of AFL players preparing to kick a goal. Their acrobatic skills, while sometimes sloppy, were still impressive and left the crowd applauding in amazement, however these personal highlights are only a small percentage of the show.

The ideal audience members for this show are young families or adults who are still kids at heart. Their performance is a child’s dream: standing on heads, running around carelessly and just general tomfoolery. You can understand why kids enjoy it, because they so badly want to be a part of it.

I wouldn’t discourage anyone from seeing the trio, especially not families – it’s a great opportunity for parents and their kids to have a unique night out. Judging by kids’ reactions (at several shows – not just Trash Test Dummies), they thoroughly enjoy the Fringe experience – probably because they have zilch expectations, unlike yours truly.

Trash Test Dummies runs until 4th February at Teatro 1 in the Perth Cultural Center. Check them out in the Fringe Guide here.