A spectacular show of amazing circus feats and young talent. Written by Athena Kugblenu
bringing her wit and humour from live stand-up performances into this fun experience. This
show actually premiered in Berlin in 2024 and has now reached the smaller London venue of
the Albany Theatre in Deptford. This area of London is where Music Producer and musical
director of Showdown grew up. Both African Boy and Athena Kugblenu believe that the
banter in the script delivered by our compere for the show will be better received in the UK
as we will appreciate the humour and actually understand the innuendoes and sarcasm. The
Hip Hop, Grime and Afro Beat music added to the tension, but it wasn’t necessarily at the
forefront the production.
The production was brought to the Albany by Upswing which is a contemporary circus
company. Vicki Dela Amedume is CEO of Upswing and also creative director of the Albany
Theatre, so it was a natural place to stage Showdown. Vicki was keen to stage a production
such as Showtime where audiences can participate and feel connected.
The audience was an eclectic mix of people of all ages and backgrounds, and everyone
enjoyed the show. One little girl next to me was shouting out from the beginning to the end.
Even though it is recommended for age 12+ with parental guidance it is pure fun and skill.
There are six fabulously talented performers all with skill and humour portraying individuals
in what seems like an X-Factor talent show for circus acts. The audience get to vote for their
favourite performer. We do not get to know their names as they are identified purely by Red,
Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple. For tonight’s performance Blue was a trapeze
artist, Orange a aerial rope and sash performer, Purple a stunning and incredibly talented
giant hoop movement artist (probably my favourite), Green, Blue and Yellow were the three
acrobatic, breakdancing guys who could reach unparalleled heights using their acrobatic
skills.
All six circus artists were incredible and kept us enthralled for the whole 70 minutes.
Incorporating a variety of stunts including juggling and tumbling. Sadly, I do not know their
names to give them a shout out, nor do I know the name of the funniest compere who led
the show and revved up the audience in his sparkly gold jacket. Very camp like Graham
Norton but with a touch of the real showmanship of Bruce Forsyth; he was great fun. Even
when the microphone died, he adlibbed and spoke louder until it was fixed. He carried the
show and encouraged the audience to join in. I wish I knew his name. There was no
program and no information on the performers. Even searching on the internet doesn’t bring
it up, but there is a you tube clip of the show however it does not have the full cast that were
in tonight’s show.
I believe the outcome of the show is different every night and can be altered to suit the
audience. A very clever idea. It was highly entertaining and kept you on the edge of your
seats for e duration and I highly recommend it. The audience were on their feet for a
standing ovation at the end.
Sadly, the run at the Albany ends tonight, but look out for Showdown going on tour.
Show - 1st -3rd May
Reviewer - Penny Curran
On - 3rd May 2025.
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