Weird Fringe has a mixed experience.
Flown (***) was a showcase of the finest circus talent. Parts of the show were heart-stopping and utterly awe-inspiring. The cast were the definition of multi-talented; being circus performers of the highest calibre and also being skilled musicians and singers too.
Each section which demonstrated a different circus skill was immense. What these performers cannot do with a hoop, a tight-rope, a trapeze, a ribbon or an ironing board isn’t worth knowing about.
However, the performance was structured in a ‘show within a show’ type idea which unfortunately didn’t work. It was as if simply showcasing the talent wasn’t enough, so the show was stuck clumsily together to make some kind of narrative.
The show went from beautiful and breath-taking to cheesy and pantomime and then back again. This jagged journey was frustrating and didn’t allow the audience to really lose themselves in the amazing performances.
There were stunning moments within this piece. Beautiful live music and singing with the most spectacular, dangerous stunts and movement. During these times the piece was absolutely magical, then suddenly the spell would be broken by an over the top character who sounded like a patronising children’s TV presenter. The performance was not allowing the audience to be whisked away.
On the subject of children, there were a lot of children in the audience but their attention spans were visibly and audibly wavering.
This performance contained the finest, locally sourced organic ingredients. However it has been put together in an awkward fashion making something which should have been out of this world, slightly disappointing.
https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/dance-and-physical-theatre/crying-out-loud-presents-flown
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