Circus Review: The 7 Fingers - Traces @ Sadler's Wells

Franco Milazzo
By Franco Milazzo Last edited 161 months ago
Circus Review: The 7 Fingers - Traces @ Sadler's Wells

traces.jpeg
(c) OCD photo
Theatrical circus group Les 7 doigts de la main (The Seven Fingers Of The Hand) have revived their much-lauded family-friendly 2006 show Traces. Don't call it a flashback but anyone who saw Insane In The Brain at the same venue last year might experience déjà vu in a very pleasant way.

The show is based around five performers - four men, one woman - and their high-energy acrobatics. The initial routines are based around standard gymnastic moves but press night nerves showed on occasion. Genevieve Morin, stood on the shoulders of her regular partner Antoine Auger, attempted to somersault and land back on Auger's shoulders. She slipped on the landing and jumped to the ground. Rather than carry on from that point, she chose to repeat the stunt. The execution this time was perfect and the audience sat up that bit straighter.

There is a wide range of skills and invention in Traces. Philip Rosenberg gives us a stunning display of hand balancing on a strange collection of melded mannequin parts; Jonathan Casaubon leaps off the teeterboard like a homecoming salmon; and Antoine Carabinier-Pine - a Wolverine-alike in beard and body - spins like a crazy coin inside the Single Wheel. The group's ensemble work on the Chinese Poles is a breathtaking display of skill, strength and showmanship.

We loved Traces' many urban touches. Skateboards, skates and basketballs are incorporated into routines and much of the choreography is influenced by street dance. The music is a cosmopolitan mix which includes dirty funk, Celtic punk and layered Kodo drumming.

Traces is an exciting and fun experience which allows five talented acrobats to show off their not inconsiderable skill. The directors are to be commended for pacing the show well and never letting the initial momentum fall too far; the five-year-old seated next to us barely said a word throughout the hour-plus show other than "wow". Its a big thumbs up from us and two fingers up to a quiet night in.

Traces will be at the Peacock Theatre, Sadler's Wells until October 30. Tickets are £10 - £38 and available from the Sadler's Wells Box Office.

Links

The trailer for Traces

Our reviews of recent shows at Sadler's Wells

Last Updated 12 October 2010