The Circus In Hand experience is almost undoubtedly one unlike anything you've seen before. Its aim is to recreate the entertainment of a more conventional circus in an infinitely smaller space, with only six performers and a host of puppets. Well, to call them puppets is slightly misleading: they would be more bluntly, and arguably more effectively, described as pieces of fabric, that are twisted about and molded into acrobats, tightrope walkers and elephants. Whilst that may on first reading sound ridiculous, and in some respects it is, the characters created and the action that unfolds is rendered more impressive when it is considered in context of their makeup. The movements simulated by the cast and their meager props, although sloppy at times, were convincingly lifelike. More importantly, the children in the audience seemed to be able to emotionally invest in the characters they created.
The performance starts with a row of neon strips hanging in a darkened room, which went on to recreate the entrance to a more conventional canvas circus tent and had the children cooing in awe before the show even got started. Then from the darkness, the troupe and their most prominent puppet appeared and the action got underway. In the course of the hour long show, Circus In Hand ticked every circus act related box you could possibly hope for. The highlights included the taming of the lion Fernando, the entrancing elegance of the gymnasts and the ludicrous posturing and posing for the not-so-strong man.
There were undeniable moments of slapstick comedy, and a few where the adults in the audience seemed to laugh more than the children. However, at times the stage seemed too crowded, with the realities of the six performers contorted around small objects in a bid to make them play their part.
Overall A bit of a bizarre concept, but the production demonstrated flashes of inventiveness and originality nonetheless.
