This afternoon we attended ‘Nova,’ a beautifully crafted show that offers a slower pace and a dreamlike experience for the audience. The adults in our group found the storytelling element particularly captivating, appreciating the theme that warmth and light can be brought into our lives through relationships with others. The simple yet effective staging enhanced the enchanting atmosphere, creating a charming backdrop for the performance.
From the moment we entered, the elegant set featuring groups of candles on different levels immediately drew us in. Soft music played as two characters emerged in simple costumes, their red noses and partial white faces marking them as delightful clowns (not at all creepy). Their playful interactions, which combined silence and gibberish, were both endearing and at times – very funny.
A standout moment was the clever book balance sequence that stemmed from a pile of small books on the stage, showcasing their creative and acrobatic skills. The books seemed to float in midair at times and even on the odd occasion one fell – it seemed intentional and became part of the story. Not with any frustration but as if it meant something.
These clowns are not garish or loud; rather, their subtlety invites the audience to engage and watch closely. Their charming humour contained moments that had Thomas laughing heartily, while the younger kids found some of the nuances a bit too subtle—though the youngest in our group was admittedly getting tired (read grumpy), and the gentle music made her feel a bit sleepier.
The venue, located upstairs on Roxburgh Street, was a bit smaller and quieter compared to other Assembly venues, making it a superb gentle option for children who may not enjoy loud noises. The music selections were thoughtfully chosen, enhancing the magical atmosphere and coordinating beautifully with the physical clown sequences. The duo’s reactions to each other’s acrobatics added a sweet layer to the performance, showcasing their appreciation for one another’s skills in a charming, non-verbal way.
The show flows gracefully, taking its time to present each segment while maintaining the audience’s interest. Sound effects – and occasionally smoke – transported us to a colder place, prompting the clowns to find creative ways to warm themselves. Their playful competition for warmth brought a delightful dynamic to the performance, as did their body percussion that resonated with the audience during moments of rhythmic clapping. But we loved that ultimately, the warmth wasn’t gained back by stealing or trickier but by movement and interaction. In a world that is in so many ways dark and destructive right now, this was a moment to pause and to appreciate kindness and beauty.
Overall, ‘Nova’ is an ethereal and lyrical show that enchants with its poetic storytelling and elegant clowning. The physicality and use of props were impressive, especially as the duo moved seamlessly with each other to cross the stage. Everything felt deliberate and considered – in short, it felt like watching art. This performance is a true gem, perfect for families seeking a gentle, imaginative experience that leaves a lasting impression!
5 stars from the adults, 5 from Thomas (aged 9), whilst George (8) and Ella (5) preferred the more upbeat show we saw earlier in the day. We were gifted some tickets for the purpose of this review – and bought some too – but all thoughts are our own. I would say that this one works for adults or kids – and you can get tickets here.
