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Lucky Pigeons

 
Alex Bailey Dillon Review by Alex Bailey Dillon 2 Published: 10 Aug 2023 Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows Show Dates: 5 Aug 2023-26 Aug 2023

The true judges of any show aimed at children are the children in the audience, and the kids at Lucky Pigeons at Underbelly’s Circus Hub seemed to have a good time. Their little minds weren’t necessarily up to buying into the concept – one tot in front of me confidently declared, “Those aren’t eggs; they’re just balls!” during a juggling sequence – but they were still attentive and excited.

the kids seemed to have a good time

Unfortunately, Lucky Pigeons didn’t stand up as well for this adult reviewer. The aforementioned concept – four of the five cast as pigeons in elaborate costumes with a charming homemade aesthetic, with a visiting human protagonist – was fun once established, although the mime/floor sequence which did so was long and a bit confusing. The costumes were a highlight, and played well with the custom set piece, which evoked steel rebar with a hint of birds’ nest.

A key issue was unfortunately with seating. Lucky Pigeons is set on the floor of the Beauty, which doesn’t have a rake. Most shows I have seen in the venue use a raised thrust to compensate, the utility of which became obvious from only the third row. The show was very floor heavy, featuring clowning, acrobatics, floor work, and a juggling act, which meant that there were several tricks I missed completely – for example, a one-armed handstand that I only correctly identified when the performer's free arm rose briefly into my eyeline.

In addition, there were performances on corde lisse, lyra, and aerial straps, as well as a sweet moment of short silks on pulleys functioning as a sort of inverse teetertotter. While the performers all had stage presence and aplomb, the difficulty level and density of moves was lower than I have come to expect from circus at the Fringe, especially at Circus Hub itself.

Nevertheless, there were highlights. The corde lisse act was particularly good, and the interaction our protagonist elicited from children and adults alike in the opening clown sequence was delightful. Lucky Pigeons represents a first effort from Fringe newcomers Brainfools, and I absolutely believe they will go far as a young company.

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The Blurb:

A treat for the whole family, Brainfools' Fringe debut defies gravity to conjure a surreal world where a flock of energetic, curious pigeons dwell. Boldly tumbling and gracefully leaping through the air, these mischievous creatures are eager to invite everyone to join in on their fun. With a dynamic display of acrobatics and juggling skills, this tale of one lonely person's journey to friendship and connection is heart-warming for all ages. From an exciting new company who explore social issues through the thrills and spills of live performance, this colourful and uplifting show is not to be missed.