What are you afraid of? Whizzing through the air, or maybe having someone stand on your head? Running with scissors or juggling eggs? For the members of circus company Gravity and Other Myths, these are far from the scariest of prospects. Or are they? The constant worries that plague life and circus art are flirted with through some jaw dropping physical theatre in Freefall.

The hour show begins without announcement. Casually dressed figures emerge from the darkness at the Meat Market, unpacking a mountain of cardboard boxes with the touch of ballet dancers. Yellow bulbs swing low, the tempo is sleepy. In a blink, a bolt of energy hits – and what follows is some of the most exciting displays of acrobatic skill on offer this Festival.

Freefall weaves in theatre and dance to create a forum for admissions -  about the performers’ fears, their embarrassments and the audience’s own worries. Impressive routines using hoops, acrobatics, partnered lifts, and juggling link together in a way that gives the audience, regardless of their circus knowledge, a feeling of empowerment.

Aged 16-30, the performers negotiate trust and anxiety while also grappling with audience-flummoxing routines. How scary is that flip? What will happen if this pose collapses? As they tangle and spill across the stage, their nerves feed the audience’s. The talented group pull off some poses  that are done with such ease they are worthy of disbelieving laughter. Even in moments of hesitation and visibly quivering muscles, three young people standing atop each other can’t get less impressive.

Not every trick sticks, but this increases the applause. After the group leaves one seemingly complex move unfinished on opening night, we’re offered a wink and a ‘You’ll have to see us next time  now,’ from the performers. The youth of the troupe and their clear camaraderie soften flawed attempts. Come to appreciate the tenacity and honesty that Freefall suggests are the basis for good circus and good life.