Review – The Late Show

With some thirty plus circus shows on offer at this year’s Fringe, it can be a daunting task choosing which to go and see. The Late Show eradicates this issue by offering a teaser of some of the best circus and physical theatre shows to be dazzling this season’s audiences. With four acts running at about ten minutes each, it is the perfect amount of time to gauge which shows you want to see more of.

Host Simon Taylor is an award-winning comedian. His ability to instantly connect with his audience while simultaneously poking fun at them is a skill not many can master. Taylor does this effortlessly though, and his enthusiasm is so big that it leaks into every patron and fills The Vagabond tent at the Garden of Unearthly Delights to buzzing point. Every show is set to be different with a fresh line-up of talent, but hopefully Taylor will remain throughout to guide you jovially through the many shows on offer.

The highlight of the show I attended was a teaser from the Barely Methodical Troupe’s new show Bromance. The trio perform jaw-dropping stunts with a fluidity and confidence that is both beautiful and exciting. The boys are extremely talented and ever in sync and the piece flowed flawlessly.

Some acts appeal to a wide group of people while others hold a more precise allure, but with the short and sweet time frame allotted to the performers, you can still get a feel for what works for you. If you’re not much or a circus and physical theatre fan but want to be and don’t know where to start, this is going to be right up your alley.