Cirque Berserk at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh Review
Cirque Berserk
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
7-12 February 2017
Reviewed by Deborah Mackenzie
Bringing the circus to the theatre is no easy task; having been to many different circus’ worldwide; it still brings the little girl out in me, from the start to finish, the acts brought gasps, how did they do that and are they mad?!
Cirque Berserk showcases traditional circus thrills and skills, performers from all corners of the world included jugglers, acrobats, tumblers, dancers, stuntmen and the award winning Tweedy, their very own clown. Highlights included (not limited too) a contortionist, Odka from Mongolia (just how did she fit in that bottle?), Tropicana Troupe from Cuba who catapult themselves into the air (their physiques with muscles rippling is a feast to the eyes!) and the world’s most dangerous circus act with the legendary motorcycles Globe of Death.
Photographer Piet-Hein Out (www.circusphotographer.com)
Although the costumes were not as bright as I remembered from previous circus visits, this did not diminish the variety, skill and nail-biting acts. The pure precision of the Timbuktu Tumblers as they limbo with fire with lit limbo poles, jumped through hoops and balanced together in pyramids were startling to watch. With the use of a springboard, the Tropicana Troupe from Cuba, fly, summersault, twist and turn as they land with precision forming pyramids and more. Some acts were slower, the beautiful dancers, were just breath-taking. Tweedy the clown, with no scary face paint, few words brought humour as he weaves in and out of many acts as well as a few of his own. He involved the audience at times, plus got two men from the audience to help him ride his unicycle. I really would have loved if he had involved the children with the spinning plates that were on sale; I remember that as a child and it still holds fond memories.
The finale, was the four motorcyclists performing in the Globe of Death, a huge hamster ball steel structure, that they entered and rode more than 60mph as they criss-crossed each other, went upside down and even held hands to show how close they were to each other. There was no room for error!
Photographer Piet-Hein Out (www.circusphotographer.com)
I was a slightly disappointed with the lighting, as it was hard to see what was happening at times, plus the music could have been used to bring more suspense to acts. The smoke that is used to create atmosphere was awful; it obscured the performers, especially Odka, she was remarkable but would have loved to see more of her. (Any thoughts on camera and screen for close views?) By the way… what was the robot all about? I got a bit lost with him stomping across the stage occasionally.
Would I go again? Yes definitely…
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £20.50 to £30.50 (booking fees may apply).
Cirque Berserk is at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh until 12 February 2017. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9FT | 0131 529 6000
