30 December 2013

LIMBO under the big top

(photo via Southbank Centre)

And I thought Edinburgh's Christmas was just a Ferris wheel and stands selling tree ornaments and mulled wine... Not the case! The other day, a friend asked if I wanted to check out one of the Saturday night showings of LIMBO, which I can best describe as a cabaret-circus-magic show, the 'greatest party ever between heaven and hell.' It defied categorization, and I think that's what makes it so compelling.

Our last-minute tickets gave us seats in a booth with some other folks, along the perimeter of the tent. Yes, a proper big top! We indulged in Prosecco (in plastic cups, it was that sort of thing) and feasted our eyes for the next 75 minutes on feats of acrobatics, dance, and illusion. Not to mention fire-breathing. And if anything, watching a performer's throat glow orange as she swallows an illuminated sword is nothing if not impressive.

The music, provided by a live horn band and a ton of a amplified, distorted beat-boxing was wonderful. The fact that these performers were so versatile (the cast is only 9 people strong) was what really made the show shine. I love the old-timey wild west meets burlesque meets prohibition costume and set design, and the pace of the show was perfect.

LIMBO had a great run in London prior to coming to Edinburgh, and they're off to Australia next, with shows in Sydney and Adelaide through the end of winter.

Would you go see this show? Do you have a favorite magic show, circus, or alternative stage performance that you've seen? Or want to see? Share below!

Cheers,
Kate x

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