Ever since the Udderbelly’s Circus Hub venue on the Meadows was born in 2015 I’ve been a huge fan. What I love about it is the variety of shows staged there and how it is a wonderful way to introduce children to the circus. When I say circus it’s not what we were brought up thinking of or seeing. I mean in all it’s forms….slap stick comedy, magic, juggling, acrobatics, aerial, contortion, trapeze tightrope walking, unicycles, gymnastics amongst many others. More often than not however the shows I’ve seen have included a combination of many of these which makes them terrifying, wondrous and magical!
Circa have brought their Show Wolfgang to the festival this year. The group are regulars at the Fringe Festival and they haven’t disappointed this year. I had already booked these tickets before being invited to review some shows for the Edinburgh With Kids blog and felt it was too good not to get a mention.
The premise is Amadeus Mozart. Paul O’Keeffe arrives on stage in a puff of dust, a wig and ready for a mad performance. Together with Kathryn O’Keeffe they quickly enthral the audience with their acrobatics. Jumping onto each other and balancing off each other my three boys were transfixed.
As Mozart mesmerised us with his bicycle balancing act, Walter’s proclamation of ‘I could do that if I could ride a bike’ (he’s six) was priceless. They had my boys engaged and wowed all the way through. The theatrical aspect is just as wonderful with a slow motion a slap stick comedy fight leaving the audience in stitches.
You can have no doubt why have received wonderful reviews over the years. Since 2004, from its base in Brisbane, Australia, Circa has toured the world – performing in 39 countries to over a million people.
A must see show for all the family….just remember to tell the kids not to try anything they see at home!
The 60 minutes performance is on at the Underbelly Circus Hub from now until the 25th August (not 13thor 20th) at 14.00
