3 is a Crowd certainly put on an entertaining show, although somewhat of an odd one. There are various scenes, all of them involving birds of one kind or another, in which the three women seem to enjoy beating each other up. Mainly, two of them - Rockie Stone and Bianca Mackail - gang up on the third, Olivia Porter - much to the audience’s delight as they ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ each time she narrowly escapes a beating or receives a smack in the face. Her vulnerability is both funny and disarming, and results in the most endearing, as well as extremely skilled, juggling scene I’ve ever witnessed.
The three women take turns at being the focus on stage, and occasionally all three of them are on at the same time. Scenes of complete absurdity and games are interspersed with walking on glass, aerial tricks and even a magic trick. The various facial expressions are priceless. Some scenes are performed whilst the performers are blindfolded, which lends an air of spontaneity to the show. The performers also seem to be having a blast themselves which is mirrored by the audience. Nevertheless, each performer brings a quality, strength and precision to each and every one of their tasks.
There is a lack of a linear story, the only thread is the continuous reference to birds, and the show is chaotic and filled with props. In addition the performers try their best to shock or startle the audience at times – in accordance with the title. Don’t be afraid and take the flight!
