Yuck Circus – Assembly George Square Gardens

Appropriately titled, Yuck Circus’s all-female troupe of gymnasts and contortionists gives a thrilling display of strength and dexterity. Their premise is to show that women can be as strong and powerful as men. And to do a little man-bashing (and wimpy woman bashing) along the way … challenge stereotypes and talk openly about menstruation (noting the fact it begins with the syllable, MEN – how ironic).

I liked their balls!

And the woman beside me liked absolutely everything, including screeching with laughter into my ringing ear and yelling her approval as if she were part of the show and should be noticed.

I liked that they weren’t ridiculously skinny. They were all shapes and sizes, as women are, yet still able to do a wondrous amount of physically demanding work.

I was a little concerned about the long-term impact of balancing a grown woman’s weight on your breasts (having had cancer there) and their bravado about how much they’ve drunk and lived to tell the tale, but again, that’s my health anxiety talking.

I couldn’t decide if their man-bashing and personal bravado was a f*** it, we’re as gross as those men stance or if it was making a point about the excesses and swagger of some men regarding drink and women. I, personally, would have liked a bit more texture regarding the male/female stereotype.

You might find it refreshing to be so brash and partisan.

This troupe of artistes are brave and strong. They’ll appeal to lots of you. Give them a go and see if it’s your cup of tea.

Oh, and try not to scream incessantly into your neighbour’s ear.

Reviewer: Kathleen Mansfield

Reviewed: 8th August 2023

North West End UK Rating: