If you’re looking for cool at this year’s Fringe, look no further.
I defy anyone not to come out of this show with a huge smile on their face
As soon as lights reveal two towers topped by an impressively large drum kit and DJ decks, it’s clear that these guys mean business. Introducing each performer to a soundtrack that is mixed live by vocal artist Sam Perry and master musician Gene Peterson, the show goes from 0-60 miles an hour in the space of less than a minute.
My eyes were instantly drawn to the kinetic typography projected onscreen, fusing the non-stop audio-visual effects with the prowess of this group as their silhouettes were literally constructed from Perry’s lyrics. This is a seriously awesome line-up: two world champion breakdancers, a twice world champion BMX flatlander, an international Rou Cyr artist - the list goes on.
More than simply being a stunt show, however, the joy is in the way that this ensemble works so smoothly together. Whilst each gets their turn to shine - and don’t they know it - they are blindingly talented as one in the finale. The comic timing of USA’s ‘Basketball Man’ and the video-game setting for a showdown between breakdancers BBoy Leerok and BBoy Kareem were just two instances where the show becomes more than just amazing physical feats. The musical sections, showcasing Perry’s multi-track talents and Peterson’s badass drumming, were also standout highlights.
It’s hard to compress this much energy into one production, but somehow they have managed it. Watching the entire ensemble effortlessly swapping roles - with everyone busting a move in one slick dance piece - brings home just how much talent is onstage in front of you.
When performers are clearly having this much fun, the energy is infectious. I defy anyone not to come out of this show with a huge smile on their face - but be careful, you might have an expensive Christmas list this year.
