Tag Archives: circus hub

Spotlight on the Brilliantly Creative Circus Hub 2022….

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We’re delighted that Underbelly’s Circus Hub is returning to the Meadows again this year. Bringing with it a plethora of amazing shows that are sure to astound and amaze us all…and as ever, we’re hoping the churros stall will also be back for some delicious snacks !!

It feels like the number of incredible circus and physical theatre shows increases every year, and 2022 certainly looks jam packed with choice…

Underbelly’s Circus Hub is made up of two venues: The Lafayette and The Beauty. The two venues are named after one of the world’s most famous circus performers and illusionists – The Great Lafayette, and his dog Beauty, who famously both died in Edinburgh in 1911. 

You can see all of the shows listed here and we’ve listed our top 5 picks below :

Circa: Humans 2.0 – We loved the original version of this incredible show (review here) – so we are super excited for this ! Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap, and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. – August 5th – 27th (not 10th, 15th, 22nd)

Splash Test Dummies – Readers of this blog know that we adore these loveable clowns and highly recommend a visit to share in their magic and hilarity…(review here). We reckon they are splish splashingly awesome ! See a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous. – August 6th – 27th (not 15th, 22nd )

Cirque Alfonse: Animal – Cirque Alfonse takes us through a series of surreal farm fables served up with a touch of irreverence, impressive virtuosity and the company’s familiar comic touch. In this re-invented agricultural world, the farm is turned upside down! – August 6th – 27th ( not 10th, 15th, 22nd)

Circus Abyssinia: Tulu – We absolutely LOVED their show in 2017 (review here) – and are SUPER excited for this new show, celebrating the first African woman to win Olympic gold. Inspired by the true tale of an Ethiopian icon, Derartu Tulu, this unmissable showcase of superhuman strength blends breathtaking contortion, awe-inspiring acrobatics and mesmerising fire juggling with a rocking, exuberant soundtrack.- August 6th – 27th (not 15th, 22nd )

Brave Space – This looks really cosy and great for littler little ones…Brave Space is the building of a blanket fort, sneaking under a hoop skirt, an impulsive congregation in the tiniest of tents. Starting as a puddle of fabric on the floor, it grows to encompass a wondrous world of circus. Intimate and low tech, the audience sits nose-to-nose with an all-female cast of bold physical artists to build the world we want to live in, even for only a few shared moments.- August 6th – 27th (not 15th, 22nd )

Cool, Creative Circus…

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If you haven’t made it down to check out Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, I think should definitely do it this weekend ! There are loads of great family shows on there to entertain everyone ….

Highlights including :

The Hogwallops – Great for kids, and back from their run last year – this madcap family take you on a journey through birthdays, washing and baking cakes. Based on Roald Dahl’s ‘The Twits’ , this show is loads of fun for everyone.

Trash Test Dummies – I love these guys – three lovable Australian acrobats who do some amazing things with the mundane wheely bin, a bit of acrobatics, juggling, clowning, music and ….mayhem !

 

Bedtime Stories – This is a beautiful and gentle piece of physical theatre, great for wee ones…you get to sit and lie down in cosy beds and snuggle under a blanket and watch the story unfold before your eyes of a little girl and her nighttime adventures with her friend ‘three’.

This next show isn’t in the Circus Hub but right behind in the Udderbelly…I loved this, having seen it twice and would highly recommend….

A Simple Space – Seven young, unbelievably talented acrobats push themselves to their physical limits and beyond in an awe-inspiring performance of supreme acrobatic ability, strength and skill. They manage to also make it playful and fun for the audience and is a delight to watch !

 

Circus Hub 2016 – It’s back !

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Last year was the first year for Underbelly’s Circus Hub, and I’m delighted it is returning for 2016 with an even bigger programme of circus and physical theatre !

Located on The Meadows, Underbelly’s Circus Hub is made up of two big tops, the Lafayette and The Beauty. The two venues are named after one of the world’s most famous circus performers and illusionists, (The Great Lafayette and his dog Beauty, who famously both died in Edinburgh in 1911) and promise to present us with spectacular and technically ambitious circus work .

Fantastically there are some children’s shows included in the programme and some family friendly treats too, but what looks even better are the Family Circus Workshops – meaning you and your children can actually run away with the circus and learn some skills! Happening every day from the 8th-21st August (except 15th) From aerial to juggling, hula-hooping to acrobatics. There’s all the fun of the fair in these great taster sessions designed for parents and their kids. Taught by experts from Edinburgh’s new circus centre Full Cirqle. Places are limited so book now! Workshops last for 60 minutes and each ticket admits one adult and one child.  Be quick – some workshops are sold out already ….

Bedtime Stories – New for this year, this show looks great – combining circus with story telling. Immerse yourself in a magical journey. Celebrate that magical time of the day when stresses and strains of life melt away and enter a world of imagination and dreams with Bedtime Stories. Tucked up with your family in a bedroom installation, take this chance to unwind and be dazzled with circus, theatre, dance and projections from circus pioneers Upswing.   4th – 22nd August

Trash Test Dummies – Woo hoo ! These guys are returning and I loved the show last year (see my review here). This trio of lovable clowns can do amazing things with the wheely bin ! It is definitely worth checking out, with great music and fantastic circus and acrobatic skills it’s suitable for all the family.  4th – 21st August

The Hogswallops – Also returning to Edinburgh this year, The Hogswallops is a fun and quirky circus show, inspired by Roald Dahl’s The Twits. Watch the domestic adventures of a chaotic family of misfits, and be inspired by the specially composed live score.

Spotlight on ‘The Circus Hub’…

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Is it just me, or does there appear to be a large amount of circus/acrobatic shows at the festival this year ? In the last few years, circus and physical theatre shows seem to be increasing and it feels like somewhat of a theme this year – and personally I love it.

Along with the general increase in the number of shows, there is a new fantastic venue this year, the first venue devoted to circus – The Circus Hub – situated on the Meadows, and bringing us two, large, white domes (named The Lafayette and The Beauty after a Victorian circus performer and illusionist The Great Lafayette and his performing dog Beauty) showcasing what they tell us the art of circus can be – epic, intimate and utterly exhilarating.

Included in the rather fantastic looking line up are of course a few dedicated family shows, and a few performances that also welcome younger members of the audience:

Trash Test Dummies – I have mentioned this show previously and also reviewed it here, do go check it out if you can, it’s a very fun, chaotic and musical  circus show which the whole family will enjoy. (on until 29th August)

The Hogwallops – This family show blends circus skills, physical theatre and slapstick comedy in a thrilling domestic adventure set to a specially composed live score. (on until 29th August)

Ockham’s Razor: ‘Arc’ and ‘Every Action’Ockham’s Razor: Arc and Every Action – this show actually combines two pieces of aerial performance – the first – Arc, is a beautiful, gentle piece performed on a suspended piece of what looks like metal scaffolding. This piece explores the relationship between three people and conveys ideas of trust, vulnerability and friendship.The second performance – Every Action – brings some humour to the proceedings and explores the developing relationships between strangers left alone with some dangling ropes. Both stories show the huge depth of talent of the performers and also their skills in performing with original pieces of aerial equipment. With enchanting music accompanying both pieces, it is a thing of beauty to watch, and something that older children can appreciate with awe. Being quite short, it is a perfect introduction to physical theatre and the innovative performance that can be created when people push the boundaries. Well worth a visit….

Bromance – Combining dance, physical theatre and circus this is a very fun, original and often graceful show. Exploring the relationship between three male friends, one of the things I loved about the piece was the difference in their statures. I liked seeing the balance between the tall and small, the strong set and the sleeker. Starting off with a handshake and building momentum, this piece includes elegant movements, funky dancing, heart-stopping acrobatics and  a stunning hoop routine. I would highly recommend you get down to the Circus Hub to see this , with or without the children !