Attached, Stratford Circus Arts Centre – Review

Pros: impressive feats and excellent showmanship.

Cons: some audience participation, which isn’t for everyone.
Attached, Stratford Circus Arts Centre – Review

Summary

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Outstanding!

A riveting, entertaining, and impressive show.

When I’m reviewing, I usually like to take notes while watching the play, but during Attached I found this really difficult because I simply couldn’t bear to tear my eyes away from the stage for even a second. This two-person act is a hilarious routine of juggling, jumping, backflipping and –oh yes – velcro suits.

Attached advertises itself as a ‘circus show’ but it might not be quite what you expect from such a description. Everything is stripped back and simple. The two performers, Manu Tiger and Massimiliano Rossetti (the later replacing the duo’s usual other half Magnus Larsson for the UK dates only), are simply dressed and do all the manoeuvring of a stage that is bare but for the objects of their craft: seesaws, blocks, and crash mats. There is no spectacular here, no sequins nor shimmers, just these two men. And it is this honesty that really wins you over, because nothing is hidden, nothing is faked. Moreover, their showmanship is exquisite. The comedy, driven by these two engaging characters, is mostly non-verbal and only occasionally strays into slapstick or mime. It is subtle and clever, without being difficult, a fact attested to by the several children in the audience giggling along delightedly (though this is by no means a kids only show and under-tens were a minority). In fact, a rather appropriate promotional tool for these fellows would be a recording of their audience’s reactions: there are ‘oohs‘ and ‘aahs‘ aplenty, plenty of laughter and regular bursts of spontaneous applause as people just felt the need to express their appreciation.

If you’re like me and the words ‘audience participation’ fill you with dread, fear not. Sit in the middle and you’ll be safe! A couple of people are brought up on stage to help out, but everyone gets involved as tennis balls are handed out to be thrown at a brave performer in a velcro suit … which I may never have specifically wished to do, but my goodness it was fun!

If I have any criticism of the shows, it’s that occasionally the stage set-ups take a little too long, although for the most part these are made impressively entertaining by the banter between the two performers.

The shows is careful to build itself up. First the velcro suits, which are more funny than physically challenging, then some seriously beautiful synchronised juggling, and only when the audience is already thoroughly impressed do they let out the really big tricks. The anticipation as they’re arranging each new set piece – trying to work out who will do what and how – will have you on the edge of your seat. Overall I cannot recommend this show enough. It’s energetic and inspiring and non-stop entertainment for all.

Created By: Magmanus
Performers: Manu Tiger, Massimilliano Rossetti
Composer: Magnus Larsson
Booking Information: On Tour. See http://cryingoutloud.org/projects/magmanus-attached-tour/