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Elixir

 
Chloe-Louise Saunders Review by Chloe-Louise Saunders 5 Published: 18 Aug 2017 Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows Show Dates: 4 Aug 2017-26 Aug 2017

This is what the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is all about. From countless overheard snippets of audience conversation after the show, I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say that we left having been thoroughly flirted with and won over by Head First Acrobats. Everyone had a fantastic time. The energetic Thomas, Cal and Rowan just kept on wowing, performing clowning, acrobatics and dance which got more ridiculous – and impressive – as the night went on.

If you are keen to be blown away by something fun, sexy and stunning, go and see this show.

The outside world seems to no longer exist. The atmosphere created inside the tent is electric, tantalising and sexy with subtle smoke, bold lighting and an intricate set all coming together to fantastic effect. The outrageous audience interaction causes torrents of gasps and laughter. A circus more than worth visiting.

The premise is intriguing and fun: a lab in which three scientists experiment with various elixirs, using themselves as guinea pigs. Their aim: to create the elixir of life. The outcome: circus chaos and zombie breakdancing with periods of comedy clowning and prank playing that give way to moments of jaw-dropping acrobatics. I sit open-mouthed for longer than is socially acceptable at one point as Rowan evolves from dumb clumsiness into an all-guns-blazing Cyr wheel routine.

These in-between moments of silliness perfectly outline the strong performances which occur while the acrobats are supposedly under the influence of the elixir. Although these slower moments sometimes go on for a little too long, the boys have charm in buckets and the “wow” sections more than make up for any small lags earlier in the show.

I leave feeling utterly pumped and, not to mention, a little in love. If you are keen to be blown away by something fun, sexy and stunning, go and see this show.

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The Blurb:

Winner – First and Foremost Entertainment Award Brighton Fringe 2015. Elixir is circus with a difference! Uninhibited by cliché or expectation, subversive and hilarious, the story follows three enthusiastic and acrobatic scientists who attempt to create the elixir of life. The mayhem that follows is a beautiful mix of incredible acrobatics and impeccable comic timing. **** (EdFest.com). **** (TheReviewsHub.com). ***** (TheBuzzFromSydney.com). ***** (RipItUp.com.au). 'High powered acrobatics, a brilliant stumble of slapstick and a shimmy of burlesque' (Herald). 'Raucous, late night circus with mesmerising skill' (TheReviewsHub.com). 'An overwhelmingly fun atmosphere' (Edfest.com).