The Adelaide Fringe is spread over several hubs around Adelaide, and indeed around the state. Fools Paradise in Victoria Square, in the city centre is one of those. A couple of large circus tents, a trapeze school, food and drink outlets and some fun installations are dotted around. While it may not have the glamour and excitement of the larger venues, the talent on offer is still first class.
The CIRCUS OF F[ACT]S is aimed at the younger generation, while the late night after hours version is called CIRCUS OF F*ACTS: After Hours.
We attended the daytime version and plenty of young children were clearly excited to be at the circus. As the audience took their seats, the performers roamed through the crowd, chatting and helping to set the little one’s minds at ease. Characters such as Pop Fry, Olive Foil, Frank Fancy, Fluffy and Fanny Floop are introduced using old style cue cards. The whole presentation is rooted in the early charm of the roaring 20’s, where characters are larger than life.
The circus follows the loose storyline of a stolen diamond, and the search for the culprit. However, this was little more than a ploy to allow each artist to have their time in the limelight. The action is fast and varied; quick change artists, juggling, rope acrobatics, a strong man balancing and a whole lot of cheesy fun.
The performers clearly relish their respective roles, and the level of skill was evident. There’s audience participation, which was generally well received. The repartee is very open with the children, in that old-style vaudeville way. All in all it’s a great way to introduce kids to the Fringe, as well as being a genuinely funny, fast paced show that can be enjoyed by all.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The Circus of Facts is presented as part of the Adelaide Fringe
The reviewer attended on Sat 17th Feb
Season: Sat, 17 Feb – Sun, 17 Mar, at The Vault at Fool’s Paradise
Tickets and more info HERE.
