Underbelly Festival – until 5 May 2019
Reviewed by Adam Craddock
4****
As an actor training in musical theatre I was at first a bit sceptical about taking up the offer to review A Simple Space at the Underbelly Festival. I didn’t feel that it was necessarily in my skill set and what I’d strive to see. But then the memories of that childish amazement that I felt the last time I went to a circus came flooding back and I bit our organisers hand off to get this show.
A Simple Space sees the cast of “Gravity and Other Myths” take on a series of death defying stunts all for our simple amusement. From a skipping rope strip off to human pyramids, base jumping onto each other’s backs to doing a Rubik’s cube while stood on your head, this show was, as it says, beautifully simple yet utterly awe inspiring. The whole cast were absolutely phenomenal but I do have to give a couple of special shout-outs. Simon McClure’s natural stage presence is absolutely fantastic, he really drew me in with just with how much he was enjoying what he was doing himself. Andre Augustus also excelled in this field, and his banter with the audience was a real highlight for me as this really helped draw us in and make us feel at ease. Annalise Moore and Ashleigh Pearce also deserve credit for their work as the flyers, making us feel at ease with their obvious danger.
In conclusion, I could not recommend this show more highly! If you are looking for a good night to enjoy with the family, come see A Simple Space while tickets are still out!