There is no time for cosy introductions at the start of this highly charged acrobatic show. CCTV footage of people entering the venue is suddenly switched off by the screech of car breaks as the troupe tumble into the decaying urban set.
The performers look to be enjoying every single minute of this passionate performance, which seems to push the human body abilities to its limits. A choreographed basket ball game shows off the troupe’s acrobatic skills, and the performers leap and flip with seeming ease. Anything they don’t manage first time they try again to prove they can do it (not that such proof is necessary), and they have the audience behind them all the way with big cheers on success.
Although a story-line, complete with swinging microphone, weaves around the acrobatics, it mostly feels as if it’s there to give the performers a break, and these scenes sometimes feel a little drawn out. However, when you’re watching the troupe walk up poles, do little cute routines with some skateboards or jump through a five loops high structure, this is immediately forgiven and forgotten.
‘Traces’ is the kind of show that makes you wish you had stuck at those childhood gymnastic classes. A standing ovation follows the seemingly impossible finale. This is definitely worth seeing for the spectacle, enthusiasm and raw talent of everyone on stage. It might well be, the best acrobatics show in the Fringe.
4/5
Rachel Bower
