The Ruckus at Edinburgh Fringe ★★★½
★★★½ The Ruckus | Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows
Arielle Lauzon owns the stage in this easy-going – if narratively loose – circus confection.
Revel Puck Circus, one our favourite circus troupes of recent years, have brought three shows to this years Fringe. The Ruckus sees Lauzon playing Nancy, muddling together a party with some help from a group of enthusiastic but occasionally wayward friends.
The loose narrative sees Nancy picking out an outfit, getting her hair done, choosing some decorations, and lining up a series of Celine Dion bangers for the party playlist.
The routines which accompany each of Nancy’s choices are hilariously performed, as Lauzon displays exceptional clowning and circus skills alongside some gentle audience participation. A treadmill challenge is particularly impressive – as is Lauzon’s dedication to making a seamless stage exit!
A lot of time and energy is justifiably given to a series of shoe-related endeavours, which give Lauzon to show off a whole range of skills whilst holding the audience in the palm of her hand (or the sole of her foot?).
The supporting players are game, and play along with clear enthusiasm – though acts involving a suspended hoop and hand balancing are at the pedestrian end of the excitement scale. It’s undeniably great, however, to see an all-female (presenting) cast of performers, which is still pretty rare in circus.
For an early afternoon timeslot, The Ruckus is good family fun – though there might not be enough to keep younger children engaged throughout. As a showcase of Arielle Lauzon’s impeccable stagecraft and acrobatic presence, it’s an unmissable treat.
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