There is no childhood memory of fun more hallowed than a day at the circus. What could be better than time spent watching incredible tricks that dazzle the senses and stretch the imagination? About Circus takes this age-old tradition and adds a slight twist; in their circus, it is the children who are performing.
About Circus is put on by Albert and Friends Instant Circus, an organization that is in its 30th year of training children in circus performance. The set opens on a boy, reading a book. As he reads we see the various characters of the book, all of whom - surprise! - happen to be circus performers, pop out of the book and onto the stage to perform various tricks.
Since the show consists of a rotating group of performers, what tricks will be performed varies from day to day, but the audience can expect a competent mix of circus favorites - juggling, tight rope, hoop, slack line, and some gymnastics. The tricks are, in general, of a moderate skill level, with a few more complicated maneuvers thrown in every now and again to astonish the crowd.
While the tricks may not be outstanding, the staging of the show was. The circus was rife with humour and opportunities for audience participation. With a booming voice the MC was able to be heard by even those at the very back of the large crowd, and his humorous antics with volunteers had almost every child, by the end, jumping up and down, hands waving in the air, desperate to be brought up on stage.
Although it may not have the artistry of some of its more professional counterparts, with humour, tricks and fun About Circus provides an entertaining show and a good, family-friendly way to spend a pleasant afternoon.
