Pirates of The Carabina – Flown at The Lowry Manchester Review
24-26 November 2017
Reviewed by Ann Durrell
I was fortunate enough to have seen Flown the last time Pirates of the Carabina came to The Lowry in Manchester, and for the second time I was even more memorised! When you think of circus you think big top, clowns in elaborate costumes and elephants, but there is so much more to circus as the Pirates of the Carabina demonstrate. What I really enjoy about this company is getting to know them. Throughout the performance, each member of the company is given the opportunity to talk to the audience, to let us have a little insight into their lives. Shaena, who performs some jaw dropping routines on the ring, then shares with us how she once fell, highlighting what she makes look so simple, is actually quite dangerous. Then there is Ellis, who appears to have joined the circus just to prove his teacher wrong and boy has he won that fight! The monologues endear the company to you. I felt like I was their friend, not just an audience member.
So back to the show itself, Pirates of the Carabina give you circus with a twist, Tia Kalmaru’s vocals are hauntingly beautiful, with a sound track that would not be out of place on Peaky Blinders. We have Alpha, whose rope work and agility left me astounded, watching her spin, mid-air, held just by a knot, outstanding. For comedic value there is Jack, Chaplinesque in his movements, you can see he has been a trained dancer, he gives an amazing routine on the Ribbons and is such a likeable character. You can feel the company is a family, they would have to have immense trust to pull off some of the feats they do. If you have the opportunity to see Pirates of the Carabina, take it, you will not be disappointed. Memorising, enchanting, funny, Flown has it all, for all ages.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13.50 to £19.50 (booking fees may apply).
Pirates of The Carabina – Flown is at The Lowry in Manchester from 24-26 Noember 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
