Underbelly
There is something about fringe shows that return year after year that have the power to delight even the most seasoned and weary festival-goers. Having joined my 9 year old daughter to see the Amazing Bubble Man (Louis Pearl) for the first time this week we can both say with confidence that the ingredients of this engaging show for family audiences do not disappoint. How is it that a performance based around what happens when we mix fairy liquid and water (plus a secret ingredient or two) together can be so captivating? Louis expertly mixes his laconic, dry humour with the genuinely interesting science and artistry of bubble making, and a good dose of (mostly) willing audience participation. Throw in a tiny sprinkle of jokes that will float over the kids heads and we are treated to something that is magical and fun in its low-tech simplicity.
Louis creates a quirky visual feast of bubbles in various forms, shapes and sizes, taking us first back to the 80s when a tiny wand that produced the tiniest of bubbles inspired him to create a life (and a whole show) around how big, bold and crazy they could possibly become. McEwen Hall’s family audience are treated to a breath-taking manipulation of various bubble making tricks to make snowmen, caterpillars, rockets and helium infused bubbles within bubbles within bubbles.
Especially fun to watch is the cheeky use of all manner of every day items to show his captivated audience what bubbles can be made of…who ever knew that a tennis racquet or a croc could be put to such good use! ‘It’s so cool and epic!’ said my 9 year old, and apart from some audience participation that perhaps doesn’t quite go to plan on this particular day, she is entirely spot on.
(Written by Steph Turner)
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