Review: 360 ALLSTARS, Peacock Theatre
Photo credit: Supplied by the production
Never has a show had a more appropriate title than 360 Allstars as over the course of 70 minutes, the performers spin, twist and rotate around the stage in all kinds of innovative ways. The seven performers keep the energy maximised and the fun constant in a show that will leave you both smiling and in awe. Pushing their bodies to the limit, record-breaking acts put on a dizzying evening of thrills and awe-inspiring moments.
From MC's, drummers, DJ's, basketball skills and B-Boys, 360 Allstars has all you need for a self-titled 'Urban Circus'. Soundtracked by Gene Peterson on drums/keyboard and Mirrah Fay-Parker as your MC, the frenetic pace is perfectly backed up by the two musical performers who are ever present on stage. The timing of the duo is impeccable. The chemistry with one another and the rapport they build up with the family crowd is amazing. Not only will kids enjoy this show, but parents will also be mesmerised by the skills on show.
Essentially 360 Allstars is a hip-hop cabaret. An introduction to each individual artist opens the show, with MC Mirrah showcasing her lightning quick rhymes whilst we are treated to a tease of what is to come. Then we have the solo performances from the BMX freestyle artist from Hungary, the Japanese basketball star and the Australian breakdancers - a truly international affair. Once each performer has had their moment individually, they come together for several group performances, creating a frenzied end to proceedings.
A medley of skills are showcased at the Peacock Theatre, with each act trying to outdo the previous. The blend of acts work perfectly on their own but are even better in tandem with one another. 360 Allstars is a no-frills production, but what it lacks in budget is more than made up for in talent. Some acts wouldn’t be out of place in Cirque Du Soleil. Acrobat Josh Curtis is phenomenal - his Cyr Wheel routine leaves jaws on the floor. The show isn't just a showcase for entertainers, it also adds a comedic flair to the display, with both laughter and gasps omitting from the auditorium.
The audience fall in love with Jun Hasegawa, a basketball trickster whose charisma and energy is unmatched. A cheeky smile and earnest temperament wins over the family crowd within seconds, with a personality as big as his basketball talent. The glue holding everything together is MC extraordinaire Mirrah - whose cadence, flow and energy are perfect for the tone of the show. Her rhymes are creative, her diction pure and rhythm seamless. Not only does she rap over the acts, she also crafts original songs with her loop-pedal, improvising the rollicking beats from Gene Peterson’s drum kit and keyboard.
Clever creative choices help keep the evening fresh, with a video game sequence for the breakdancers, and an audience interaction 'Push the Button' game for the basketball star. These moments help to break up the show and inject new life into the circus genre.
360 Allstars is a love letter to hip-hop, a perfect family show that is concise and charming. This is not your typical circus show and is all the better for it, a well choreographed hour of skills and comedy that is the perfect alternative for your traditional big-top spectacle.
Hip-hop, cabaret and acrobatics blend together to create a well-oiled evening of family friendly fun.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Springthorpe
360 Allstars plays at London’s Peacock Theatre until 6 June, with further info here.