• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

Ed Fringe 2016: Closer by Circa at the Udderbelly

August 31, 2016 by Lake Gregory Leave a Comment

Review of: Closer
Produced by:
Circa
Price:
Various

Reviewed by: Gregory Lake
Rating:
5
On August 31, 2016
Last modified:August 31, 2016

Summary:

A generous and warm piece of circus that forges a connection with its audience whilst displaying the extraordinary capability of the human body

More Details

The Underbelly Circus Hub may have packed its bags and left on the 22nd August, fleeing the sinking ship of the Fringe and leaving behind a lot of dead grass, but in the Underbelly’s gigantic purple cow on George Square one circus company stuck it out until the very end. Dubbed ‘the rockstars of the circus world’, Circa made the most of the intimate (well, more intimate than the big top) setting of the Udderbelly to astound its Fringe-weary audiences.

Photo Credit - Luke MacGregor

Photo Credit – Luke MacGregor

I will confess to not being a circus acolyte, usually unimpressed by feats of acrobatic skill without a narrative to enable our connection with the performers. But here, so close to those onstage, I abandoned all cynicism. They do not need a story – they are the story. Their triumphs are more believable than those of any stage hero I’ve seen – we can see them for ourselves. I, with the majority of the spectators, sat open-mouthed or gasping at death-defying leaps and displays of incredible strength that turn into aesthetic masterpieces. It is a testament to the extraordinary power of this troupe that I was unable to tear myself away from the spectacle onshow for long enough to write much in the way of coherent notes. Similarly, the audience were often driven to spontaneous applause – only for the previous trick to be immediately trumped by another.

The chemistry of the performers is a significant part of Circa’s success. Our connection to the company is forged through their generosity in showing both the effort and the affection required to pull off their routines. On very rare occasions – for example, in a hula-hooping routine which provides a neat commentary on multi-tasking in the modern world – there are small slip ups. Yet these do not distract, but rather contribute to our appreciation of the humanity of the performers. This warmth is allowed to come to the fore in several comic sequences, the most memorable involving members of the audience joining the performers onstage in a sketch turning the awkwardness of a first date into acrobatics.

Whilst the Fringe may be over, I would urge all circus cynics to catch Circa as soon as they can. You will be inspired by what the human body is capable of. Circus is the new sexy.

 

Author: Gregory Lake

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: Circa, Closer by Circa, Edinburgh Fringe 2016

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam

We spoke to Richard Vergette, writer and performer of Leaving Vietnam. Richard plays a war veteran who feels ignored and [Read More]

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 

From New Perspectives, The Swearing Jar is a comedy about love, heartbreak, living with the past and accepting the future. We spoke to director Angharad [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • The Donmar Warehouse's Julius Caesar at the King's Cross Theatre
  • Is this the real location of Ambridge?
  • The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat
  • Art of Believing at The Space
  • The Bacchae - National Student Drama Festival 2015
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream at Brasenose College, Oxford
  • Abel Law on becoming a musical theatre student during COVID
  • Lake Gregory
    Contributor

  • August 31st, 2016
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!