Chevalier – Hobbyhorse Circus 4**** - One4Review
one4review | On 06, Aug 2023
Chevalier’s Hobbyhorse Circus is a fun mix of old and new full of reminiscent charm. The stage is covered in lights as our solo host greets us with silent warmth and facial expressions that induce a bout of giggling from the audience. We are in for a treat!
The theme of the show is taking us back to yesteryear with nods to Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and I spotted what I believe to be a reference to 1914’s Gertie by Winsor McCay, where the animator interacts directly with the screen, in this case, ‘diving’ in!
The showcase is a mix of physical circus performances, interspersed with video that seems to get more modern each time we see it and features our protagonist and a performing monkey. The hobby horses are the real star here, whether they are being ridden, driving trains, going for a swim. With the nature of this piece, you almost expect to see hobby horses in a zoetrope.
Juggling, diving, break dancing and the like are all performed with ease and elegance that echoes grand traditions in circus performance.
Chevalier’s Hobbyhorse Circus truly inspires a bygone era and brings it to the modern day with a fresh approach. This is an experience that isn’t just different but very special indeed.
4****
Reviewed by Matthew
Assembly George Square Studios – Studio One
12.00 (40 mins)
Until 27 Aug (not 9, 14,21)
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