A lot of kids develop an interest in fire at some point in their lives, but we should be thankful that Daredevil Opera’s parents didn’t tell them not to play with matches. Many Fringe shows promise danger and excitement, but it has to be said that the Daredevil Opera Company’s Rocket and Roxie’s Untimely, Tragic and Fiery Death Stunt Show is one of the few that lives up to expectations.
Rocket and Roxie is a feisty roller coaster ride of a show with episodes of gun slinging, chainsaw wielding and wholesome slapstick punctuating the bouts of insane fire play. Performed with the all presence and precision of the Cirque du Soleil, Rocket and Roxie is like watching all your favourite moments of Looney Tunes abuse rolled into an hour of implausible and silly stunts.
There is always a danger that shows like this can become just one predictable set piece after another, but Daredevil Opera manages to keep things lively and interesting with an smattering of straight laced circus tricks, slapstick and offbeat cabaret (does playing a tampon applicator as a musical instrument count?) in amongst the death defying madness.
Coupled with the larger than life characters (ranging from the super sexy Roxie Rolls to the deranged, chainsaw juggling record holder Tom Comet) Rocket and Roxie is a wonderfully rounded, funny, feisty and exciting show. It’s definitely not one for the light-hearted but if you can cope with sizeable shock waves, attacks from fire extinguishers and an out of control rollergirl thundering into the stalls it could be for you.
Unfortunately Daredevil Opera have finished their run in Edinburgh. A year’s a long time to wait, but if you get the chance to see them anywhere in the world go for it!
4/5
Richard Biggs
