What you see is not what you get with Bang Bang Circus. Although a picture of an aerial piece is used in the programme description, it is not part of the show. Before the actual performance even begins, we are informed that this is due to venue restrictions – an announcement that dampens the excitement reserved for the show. Also, although mentioned in the programme description as a family show, it is not entirely suited for young children. Worse, the first act doesn’t do much to make things better. Hector Robertson's cumbersome dealings with the microphone while trying to balance everything, from a beer bottle to a shopping trolley, on his chin are a bit of a drag. The performance does pick up pace and proves entertaining when, eventually, we are introduced to a convincing Charlie Chaplin look-alike, Diego Spano; a clown with a bubble sprouting umbrella, Daniel Conclaves; and a fantastic hula-hooper, Lisa Lottie. The mimes that are thrown in to cover the act changes are also admirable, but despite these linking sections the acts feel disjointed and the overall show unpolished. The performance takes place in one of the Spiegeltents in George Square Gardens which provides a glamorous ambiance perfect for an old-fashioned circus performance. The costumes and music sequences for most of the acts have also been well-chosen. But these factors alone are not enough to save the show.Overall, Bang Bang Circus is a let-down and this is a big shame as the talent, time and work that has gone into it is apparent. Thanks to the poor choreography, bad visibility in the venue, and a lack of understanding of the target audience, this show neither able to do justice to the performers nor meet the expectations of the audience.
