Over the years, I’ve been to a few circus shows. As a child I have vague memories of scary clowns and sad-looking animals so consequently never chose to return until I had kids myself.
I tried out one of these big touring circuses when my children were toddlers and they were bored and couldn’t sit still so it was again some years later until I returned to the big top. Not too long ago we witnessed a spectacle on the Downs with flashes lights, fire and fancy costumes.
Although it was entertaining and impressive, there was a sense of never quite feeling satisfied and constantly waiting for what was to come next. But with the Revel Puck Circus, which is currently performing in St Pauls just behind the M32, there was a feeling of connection with the performers who were not just talented acrobats but also actors who created a series of short scenes that felt meaningful and authentic.
Having been to some of the bigger shows, the scenery seems basic at first and felt a bit like walking into a piece of street theatre in the middle of a festival. But as the show goes on it is full of surprises and the small intimate stage is constantly transformed throughout the show, with a vast range of apparatus- from giant seesaws to giant wheels and a stage which even floats in the air at one point.
But what is most impressive about this show is the talent of the performers themselves, many of them women dressed in colourful playsuits – each with their unique tricks and not simply there to look pretty or as an accessory to the male performers. My daughter was particularly taken aback by the moving performance of a woman whose head of hair became a hoop to hang from.
With so many short segments the show is unpredictable and engaging, even for the young kids who have plenty of opportunities to engage with the performance, which at times has the feel of a panto. The ring mistress has her own tragic tale throughout the show with her various failed attempts to fly.
Not only does her humorous character help keep the audience engaged between acts but her imperfections and awkwardness make her real and relatable. The show in general has a real community feel which I haven’t experienced at circus performances previously- we were all even given mini-torches to carry when we entered the tent which is small enough to get a good view from anywhere in the arena.
Something about this show gives you a warm fuzzy feeling – the music, the costumes, the range of acts and the fun of the simple things like when they take turns jumping through playground hoops.
The whole show lasts around two hours, including a twenty minute break in the middle where you can pop to the loo or grab a drink or popcorn at the bar, which also has a range of Revel Puck Circus merch. I must admit that I am usually the kind of person who struggles to genuinely enjoy theatre and circus and ends up feeling impatient and glad to get up when it’s finally over. But this time it was different – instead of always waiting for something bigger and better, I was able to relax and enjoy the moment.
I would highly recommend a trip to the Revel Puck Circus which was a joyful experience that will warm your heart and tickle your belly at times. The show remains at Wilson Street in St Pauls all week.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door on the day, depending on availability and the doors open 30 minutes before the show is set to start with seats offered on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. ‘The Nose Dive Assembly’ will be in Bristol until Sunday, October 6, for more information and online bookings, see the website here.