Casus' "Knee Deep"- Edinburgh Fringe 2012

Casus are an Australian circus company, specialising in work containing acrobalance, aerial, dance and physical theatre. I had been recommended their Fringe show "Knee Deep"by my Dad who had read a 5* review a few weeks previous.

The venue was the Spiegeltent Teatro in Assembly George Square. A combination between a big top and a cabaret club, it had a great atmosphere for this intimate show. The venue was packed and although Casus were nearing the end of a sold out run, they seemd anything but tired.

I was overwhelmed by the delicate strenght of the sole female performer (Emma Serjeant), who stood out as a strong technical artist. I was excited to see such a powerful female presence in Casus' work as it contrasted with the over-use of females in circus as the elegant, vulnerable assistant, spending her time on the top of balances or being passed between male performers. The male cast members were equally as powerful (and elegant!) making Casus' performance refreshingly genderless, showing each performer for their individual strengths without stereotyping or making the obvious choices according to gender or looks.

"Knee Deep" lasted an hour, but not one second was wasted, with the highlights for me including the head balance on the static trapeze and delicate work on top of eggs. The range of skills mastered by these 4 performers seemed unlimited, and it is definitely one of the most captivating performances I have seen. I will definitely buy a ticket for a Casus show again if they return to Scotland in the future.

Cirque de Glace-Theatre Royal Glasgow

The Russian Ice Stars are a favourite of mine, with their skill on the ice and wealth of talent in dance and circus, their shows always make for a great night of entertainment.

Cirque de Glace Evolution followed the story of the beginning of time, from the earth being formed right up to a present day metropolis. Parts of the story didn't fit but it honestly didn't matter, the spetacle of the production was enough on its own.

The silks work was particularly well presented, the three female aerialists showing beautiful poise and technical accuracy. It was a shame that the contortionist lost her balance near the start but she made up for it nearer the end by repeating the position that had knocked her off initially. Indeed, it was still very impressive as she performed on top of a globe!

I will definitley be buying a ticket for the next tour and I'm looking forward to what other performance arts the cast can turn their hand to!