ENCHANTED. With Orissa Kelly, Thomas Favaro, Tom McKinnon, Mel Jones, Piky Pokus and more. Spiegel Tent, Green Point.
KAREN RUTTER reviews
Nouveau cirque is a thing. And Capetonians love it, for quite a few reasons. New, or contemporary circus features the fun elements of traditional circus, like combining a series of thrilling showcases, and linking them with a ringmaster – or more commonly, an MC. But there’s more to these modern productions then simply chucking a juggler and a lion-tamer into a ring. There’s usually a theme or narrative that runs through the show, there’s associated atmospheric music, there’re no animals, and the acts are frequently adult rather than slapstick. I’ve been to shows that are more camp than the tent they’re in, and fabulosity is a BIG factor.
We’ve been spoilt here with several years of Madame Zingara spectaculars and even the odd visit by the Cirque du Soleil posse. More recently, The Fantastic Grifizzi Brothers have been delighting audiences with their adorable steampunk-ish schtick.
Point is, we’re not newbies when it comes to this cirque stuff. Many of us are quite discerning, actually. So I’m just going to put it out there – Enchanted doesn’t quite match the hype.
When you bill yourself as a “truly world class and unique entertainment experience” featuring “some of the world’s finest entertainment artists”, that sets a high bar. Expectations are understandably great. Anticipation is keen.
A lean offering
But when your production actually consists of seven performers (plus two MCs and two singers), many of whom double up their acts to swell the programme, the offering already seems lean. The Laser Artist and the Bubble Man are one and the same (and neither set is outstandingly good – I’ve seen better amateur artists at Afrika Burn). The Aerial Silk Lady is also the Crossbow Contortionist – again, meh. And the Cloud Swing Flier is The Peacock – acts that brought out the WTF? in me. The knife-throwing/dodging duo were sort of okay (although my male tablemate did point out that he found it uncomfortable watching a guy hurling sharp weapons at a woman, living as we do in such a femicidal society. Hey, he said it, not me). The true highlight of the show were two women who did incredible strength-aerial gymnastics – Leda Wright and Jenny le Roux, known as Aqua Terra. They were sensuous and skilled, and yes, “fine entertainment artists”.
Local comedian Mel Jones co-hosts the show with Argentinian comic Piky Pocus. She does her best with the script, but feels the most relaxed when she appears to be spontaneously riffing with the audience. She’s good at this. As for Pocus – let’s just say he’s more suited to a kid’s circus. One of those traditional ones.
There’s some singing, some dancing, and an attempt at a storyline, although I must admit it passed me by – I had to refer to the website afterwards to see what it was. Food and drink is served, and the whole evening takes around two hours 20 minutes, with an interval.
Look, I don’t want to sound mean. The performers put a lot of effort into their acts, and the singers and MCs are clearly working hard. The setting – the Spiegel Tent some may recognise from the days of The Madame We Mentioned Before – is cosy and classy. The service is great, and one can imagine that the whole concept is a good option for corporate functions and the like.
It’s just that I was disappointed – and judging from the people around me, I wasn’t alone. Somebody did use the words “high school talent show”, but that’s too harsh. Let’s just say that it’s a sweet production with good intentions, but calling it “world class” is maybe punching above its weight.
What: Enchanted
Where and when: P3 parking in Green Point, in front of the Cape Town Stadium (opposite McDonald’s) until mid October 2017. Performances are Wednesday to Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm and Sunday at 5pm. Tickets cost from R250 for access to the cirque theatre show and the fabulously fun after party
Book: For tickets, group offers, corporate packages and branding and product placement opportunities, call 074 422 2888 plus on site ticket office at certain hours
Visit: Enchanted
WS
