Review: REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: A GLIMMER DAZE GAMBIT, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - Tour
Photo credit: Supplied by the production
Discover a magical circus experience right in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with A Glimmer Daze Gambit, the latest spectacular show from East London based troupe, The Revel Puck Circus.
A Glimmer Daze Gambit is a storyline-based circus about hope and community, following a couple who come across a ‘Clowns Wanted’ sign, filling them with big dreams. Throughout the show, they meet various circus performers ranging from acrobats to hoop divers, whilst also regularly entertaining audiences with their own clowning interludes, always in the hope of finding a sense of belonging with the rest of the circus performers. Whether you are awed by friendship or fire hoops, this family-friendly circus is sure to equally impress both adults and kids.
At the heart of The Revel Puck Circus is a real community feel between performers, creative team and audience alike. This is evident from as early as the pre-show when various circus apparatus from hula hoops to pois are available for audiences to learn their own skills. This community feel is further established in the opening scene brimming with ball games and balloons, as well as various audience participation interludes peppered throughout the main acts; a further chance for audiences to be at the heart of the story.
Various interludes are led by the two lead clowns, Stella and Kit (Aaron Dewitt and Joy Powers), who fuse comedy with recognisable circus skills in juggling and rola bola routines, adding their own unique twists every step of the way. The duo’s high energy entertainment particularly appeals to younger members of the crowd who are always keen to volunteer themselves for the audience participation scenes.
One of the most memorable acts is the Nigus circus performance group, performing polished routines and memorable spectacles in both halves of the show. They combine jaw-dropping tricks with good vibes and stylish choreography, working seamlessly together as a troupe to deliver plenty of ‘wow’ moments in the tent.
Another truly breathtaking sequence is Thorne Bailey and Florine Lord-Morin’s Cyr wheel routine. Truly leaving the best until last, they raise the roof on the big tent by raising the actual stage. The flying stage creates a two-tier system providing separate platforms for each performer, adding a goosebump element as part of the grand finale of the show. On their separate levels, the pair perform synchronised hoop choreography that is only elevated by the dazzling stage lighting and overall theatrics, creating a spectacular before our eyes.
The big tent is embarking on a UK tour and Stratford is only the first stop. Immerse yourself in the larger-than-life magic of A Glimmer Daze Gambit in a city near you and indulge yourself in community-powered moments of joy.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Heidi Downing