Review: Barelesque VI – Unleashed

Review: Barelesque VI – Unleashed

The joy of six: as Barelesque VI – Unleashed proved, the combination of charity, nudity and levity makes for one hell of a cocktail. It is undeniable that a streak of altruism runs through the variety scene with fundraising events happening practically every...
Review: Billy Smart’s Circus 2014

Review: Billy Smart’s Circus 2014

While the capital focuses their circus eyes on the Roundhouse this month, elsewhere in the country the traditional tenting season has begun.  Last week we caught one of the most famous names in UK circus, Billy Smart’s. This year’s tour sees the return of Yasmine...
Circusfest 2014 Review: Silver Lining

Circusfest 2014 Review: Silver Lining

Circusfest celebrates new as well as established talent. Silver Lining are a fresh young troupe looking to impress. Did they? Watching Silver Lining, a feeling of dread sets in from the off. Juggler Tom Gaskin approaches the audience with a plastic cigar, an umbrella...
Review: Swing Revival

Review: Swing Revival

Looking for some midweek dancefloor action? With an orchestra behind him, swing maestro Benoit Viellefon and his orchestra will be at the Hippodrome Casino’s Matcham Room every Tuesday this month. Benoit Viellefon may well have his orchestra, but there’s still...
Review: Transmit

Review: Transmit

Alongside its contributions to Circusfest 2014, Jacksons Lane produced Transmit a brand new programme of shorter works by emerging artists from the contemporary circus world. It’s a pleasant feeling to realise that there are still some art initiatives out there solely...
Review: Christine Bovill’s PIAF

Review: Christine Bovill’s PIAF

Edith Giovanna Gassion known as Piaf died when I was ten. There can therefore be few audience members for tribute performances who heard her live other than those whose parents also carried their half-sleeping forms to a late concert.  Yet as a performing icon she...
Circusfest 2014 Review: Capilotractées

Circusfest 2014 Review: Capilotractées

This truly unique show four years in the making will leave you wincing and wild-eyed. With Capilotractées, it is all about the hair. It gets pulled, combed and stretched in so many eye-watering ways that we were surprised not to see CIA interrogators taking notes....