You would think that being in the big top would suit Daredevil Opera Company down to the ground, given their Cirque du Soleil pedigree, but Cirkus Inferno fails to reach the highs of last year’s pyrotechnic laden feast.
As expected, Amy Gordon and Jonah Logan give highly competent, charismatic and enjoyable performances, but they lack the direction and frenetic pace that made Rocket and Roxy’s Untimely, Tragic and Fiery Death Show so compelling. Instead they regurgitate a lot of their other material, to a considerably lesser effect, and linger on scenes that are a lot more effective as a short sharp shocks.
Rocket and Roxy marketed themselves on danger and carnage, so the move to rather tame slapstick is something of a let down, regardless of how enjoyable it is.
As it stands there is no doubt that Cirkus Inferno is still entertaining, especially for kids, but fans of last year’s show are likely to be disappointed by the lack of insane stunts and high probability of mortal wounding at every corner. On the plus side there is little chance of being engulfed in a huge fireball during the finale.
3/5
Richard Biggs
