I’ve seen various creations by The Revel Puck Circus, and I must say this specific ensemble is the strongest representation of the brand! I think what elevates this troupe is the slick performance, skills, and timing; they genuinely seem like they are having the best time together and that energy is infectious. There’s a great pre-show atmosphere, of popcorn and candy floss being sold as you enter, all by the performers in full character, and that drops us directly into their mischievous world.

There’s plenty of high-octane thrills and terrifying stunts on display throughout, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat! There is a fantastic teeterboard trio who don’t miss a beat, raw acrobatics and dazzling aerial strap displays, with one aerial performance I’ve not quite seen before; something special is in the air for sure! We laughed at a wild chainsaw as they backflipped around it, and this is another showcase of the playful absurdity and visceral danger on display.

During set changes, we’re entertained by an adorable and ridiculously talented clown. I’ve never seen anyone control a unicycle so well and with such grace, especially while being chased by a lion. The children and adults alike in the audience giggled along to the clown’s delightful brand of silliness. One big spectacle the poster gives away is the massive rola bola, mounting the entire cast onto this showcases exactly how well the performers have natural chemistry with one another. I could write this review praising each member of the cast and their ‘moments’.

There’s technical mastery hidden in plain sight with the cast seamlessly moving the stage around, placing mats, catching props and shifting various aerial rigs, and we never find ourselves a bit bored as there’s always something shifting our attention around the stage; in previous iterations this show was not as slick and again that goes to the strength of the current team. The energy is always upbeat and high, with smiles constant; it’s a testament to how this is the absolute peak of The Revel Puck Circus. A must-see for circus fans and anyone who wants a high-octane thrill executed to perfection.

*****

Reviewed by Matthew

Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows

Until 29 August (not 17 or 24)

16.10 (1 hour)