This is not a review; I’d like to make that clear before I start. I don’t think it would be fair for me to review this show. I see this as an expression of opinion of two separate things, extraordinary bodies (the production company and ensemble) and Waldo’s Circus.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for what Extraordinary bodies focus on and what they aim to do as a company. Their continuous drive to create art that is accessible to all and inclusive, makes it clear why they attract such a diverse audience. Their steadfastness to have all their performances, BSL interpreted, Audio described, captioned and as what they call it a Chilled performance is exceptional, it is a model that should be implemented by all companies and Theatre’s. What would be if they were only as bold as Extraordinary bodies.
The continued activism and championing of diversity and equity truly brings to fruition their aim to ‘give a voice to those who are often silenced’ and their work truly is a ‘testament to how diverse, extraordinary people can work equally together on and off stage’
However, when it comes to Waldo’s Circus Of Magic and Terror as a production, it is a struggle to grasp what I actually witnessed and unfortunately not in a good way. As a production, even though following the true events of how those who were oppressed by the growing Nazi regime, the script lacks depth, character development and peril. A great set design promised an emergence into the circus, where I was expecting the fun and thrill of the circus, and despite some exceptional circus skills, none of it felt daring enough. It was also an odd addition to use lyrical musical numbers to deliver parts of the story, something that did not feel necessary or as though it added anything, in terms of the production value.
Contradicting this scathing opinion of the production, I do feel that the story they are telling is vitally important and the premise they have has potential. Some that was evident at times. The values that are shared between the production and Extraordinary bodies come across evidently.
To wrap this up I would say, keep going, keep developing, push ideas to the next level and we could be witnessing ‘The Greatest Showman’ on stage, it really could be that good!
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