one4review | On 14, Aug 2022

There was a great buzz about the show before it even started. A few Bowie fans were sitting next me and were curious how the music and circus were going to blend together. I have to say they were not disappointed.

The show starts in full throttle as the band burst into their rendition of Suffragette City. Stewart Reeve, the singer and host of the evening, strutted on the stage wearing high heeled boots and a long jacket, giving a nod to the glam rock style. It’s not long until we witness how multi-talented this band is as a guitarist puts her guitar aside to perform a beautiful silk aerial routine to Space Oddity. The Hula Hoop routine, performed perfectly in sync to the band’s rendition of I’m afraid of Americans was absolutely mesmerising. Other members of the band also had their opportunity to participate in some great circus with a humorous contortionist routine set to Changes, Lazarus was the perfect song for the atmospheric Chinese Pole display and Fashion was the the obvious accompaniment to a balancing act on bottles, (achieved wearing the most outrageous fashionable high heeled shoes). A costume change by Reeve brought us up to date. Dressed in a blue suit and patent red leather high heeled boots he performed Let’s Dance as a roller skate/trapeze routine was performed around him.

Circus acts aside, it’s well worth mentioning just how good the band is. Stewart’s powerful vocals and perfect posturing did justice to Bowie’s music and style, particularly his performance of Ziggy Stardust A special mention to the drummer too who provided a great version of Under Pressure, the collaboration with Bowie and Queen.

There was plenty to keep you entertained , whether you’re a Bowie fan or not. It’s really well put together and would recommend seeing it.

****

Reviewed by Lynn

Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows (The Beauty)

17:30 (1hr)

16th – 21st, 23rd – 27th