Review: CIRCOLOMBIA, Underbelly Festival Southbank

There's a definite sense of excitement when you walk into the Underbelly Festival right now. The Southbank has transformed into a magical garden of circus, art and booze. The venue is full of life and it's the perfect home to the exuberant creation that is Circolombia.

Featuring various acrobatics and live singing, this is a show that exudes energy. The performers give it their all, constantly working hard to motivate the crowd. And motivated they are; there's lots of cheering and clapping throughout - it's clear that they're having a good time.

But despite there being parts that the audience love, the action isn't enough to sustain attention. And it's because there isn't any clear narrative link. Instead we just see impressive trick after trick, and whilst this is brilliant, there needs to be something more. Something to take it to the next level.

There isn't, so you sit searching. And you never find it, which is disappointing. Because there isn't any real story to latch onto, you quickly become passive to the action. And that's frustrating to see because it's clear that the company are so talented and incredibly capable of doing much more.

The shows appeal lies in its cultural celebration. There's no doubt that this is a piece that's full of Latin flavour, and the performers ownership of their identity shines throughout. But on occasions it's this sense of pride that makes the performance feel self-indulgent. They relax too much.

I've seen a lot of circus in my time, and unfortunately none of this feels unique. It feels rather safe. Of course precautions have to be made, but the lack of risk leaves, at times, a rather dull atmosphere on stage.

Circolombia at the Underbelly Festival until 14 July

Photo courtesy of Circolombia

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