Grab the kiddos and take a trip back to the 1930s with Circular Entertainment’s Circus of Facts. Now, before you get confused, there are two versions of this show. The late-night ‘After Hours’ performance, and the one I took Mr. 13 to, the 12.30 pm family-friendly version. For a reason that I’m still trying to ascertain, the show likes to play with the letter ‘F’. From its peculiar show title Circus of F{act}s to the cast character names Fluffy, Frank Fancy, Popfry, Fanny Floop, Olive Foil and Forky F.I.G. I’m guessing that it has more to do with giving the show a more kid-friendly feel, as is the missing diamond storyline that plays out throughout the performance. It seemed to work because some of the the littlies were really into the whole good guy/bad guy characters.
For us bigger kids, although the missing diamond storyline didn’t resonate much with me, the sheer spectacle of the performers and their amazing talents sure did. Fluffy, the bendy aerialist of the bunch, managed to contort her body with ease and took to the skies on the lyra and silks. And, just when I thought I’d seen everything that a circus show could deliver, Fancy Frank made me audibly gasp in amazement at his use of a metal cube. Spinning, turning and moving this massive box-shaped contraption effortlessly for all to see.
That’s what made this circus show different to other circus acts I’d seen before. I witnessed completely original and unique performances. From Popfry lifting Olive Foil above his head whilst riding a unicycle, to Forky F.I.G. on the aerial net and Fanny Floop on the cyr wheel, Circus of Facts takes a regular circus show and lifts it to another level, insomuch I actually thought that some of these amazing feats of strength, acrobatics and agility might go over kids’ heads. Like, it’s too good to be a kids show!
With an absolutely killer soundtrack (that takes current popular songs and makes them old-timey), a wealth of talent from a remarkable cast, and a briskly paced show that never overstays its welcome, Circus of Facts may be one of the most eye-opening shows of the Adelaide Fringe.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS **** 1/2
Reviewed by Shane Berketa