Show Pony – Summerhall Main Hall

What happens to a show pony when it gets old? Yep, bang!!

Three ‘middle-aged’ ladies pull back the curtain for a behind the scenes view on what it’s like to be a circus performer your whole life, with your body slowly giving up, facing the existential question, what next?

An entertaining hour, of high quality tricks and stunts, but also much humour and insight, which suggests this talented trio are not done yet, and are more than one-trick-ponies. Along the way, we get to delve into the earliest memories of the strong woman, the aerialist and the contortionist. It’s a fascinating and beautifully choreographed introduction, with old photos, flickering videos and tricks aplenty, which has all the charm and otherness of a Wes Anderson flick.

They explain that the rules of circus are multiple and complicated. First rule is that gravity should not affect your body. Second rule, be young. Rule three, be pretty and wear the tiniest outfits possible! Always keep your personal problems off the stage, oh, and don’t ever get sick or injured or depressed, and maintain the mystery and magic illusion and finally safety check everything twice! So not much to worry about then!

Meanwhile, the contortionist has a bee in her bonnet about the sexual connotations of her art and the endless male fascination with her hyper flexibility. As she points out, nobody asks her long term clown partner if he is funny in bed!

The three all have different visions of their possible future selves, which are acted out to hilarious effect, no more so than the Jazzercise in the care home depiction. Whatever the future holds, one thing is sure in all their minds – they will face the future together, all for one, and one for all.

Far from being in their twilight years, you come away with the distinct impression that you have just witnessed a trio of living, breathing modern day super-heroes! They are Inspirational!

Reviewer: Greg Holstead

Reviewed: 14^th August 2024

North West End UK Rating: