The intriguingly titled 'No Show' is actually a very clever piece of circus theatre. Rather than a huge Big Top and fancy costumes and death-defying leaps from the high trapeze with all the glitz and glamour that such a situation commands; 'No Show' takes you to the other end of the scale, and by using the Lowry's Aldridge studio theatre - a small floor space and no height - they take you on a journey of their own trials, failures, and ultimately successes. A very cleverly devised and rehearsed piece which at first glance appears unrehearsed and ad-libbed, but look closer and you'll see that this is their act, a deliberate double-bluff which pays dividend and with this, and their use of comedy throughout, make this No Show very much a Yes Show!
The company consists of five ladies - athletic, fit, and certainly at the top of their game. Starting, after a brief accordion introduction with a highly entertaining and well-choreographed tumbling and balancing sequence to the strains of Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters singing, Pistol Packin' Mama! Together and individually they go through their own training and favourite disciplines, showcasing them with affection and skill. One does amazing handstands, one's best 'trick' in her discipline is on the high-wire, and so this is 'walked-through' with explanation to lovely comedy effect. The most impressive for me was Camille whose Cyr Wheel antics were excellent.
This was later to be eclipsed somewhat though by another being flung around the stage on a pulley-system which was attached to a large plastic jerry can of water on one end, and to her own hair on the other! Ouch!
There was a one-legged standing competition, and a world record cartwheel attempt thrown into the mix as well. The world record for the number of cartwheels in one minute is 67, and tonight's contender made a respectable 52. I would probably have been able to manage 2 at a push!!
There was however one thing which, for me, did sully this otherwise pure and slick ointment somewhat. These are five female circus performers - that much was clear. I did not see the need to bring issues of gender inequality and imbalance into this performance. Rather than using this piece as a platform to raise these concerns which are all too prevalent in the industry which we are all aware of thanks to media and public interest, I would have thought they would be glorifying in their own show, enjoying the freedoms of their own show, and by doing so, showing everyone just exactly what 5 female performers can do. Rubbing our faces in it was somewhat out of place here.
Minor gripes notwithstanding, this is an hour-long show which using humour well, juxtaposing this clumsy, ad-hoc performance style perfectly against their actual and obvious skill and talent.
'No Show' was devised and directed by Ellie Dubois, and the five incredible performers were Francesca Hyde, Kate McWilliam, Michelle Ross, Alice Gilmartin and Camille Toyer.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 5/10/18
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