A Sideshow Comedy: Extreme Body Treatments… Not Your Average Sideshow Experience – Adelaide Fringe Review

Gluttony – Empyrean, Tue 16 Feb A Sideshow Comedy gives you most things you expect to see in a normal sideshow, but this is no normal show. As your host, the Head Master, outlines two very crucial rules for the night and introduces you to his two protégés, The Princess of Scars and The Maniac, you get a sense that things are about to get interesting. Your general sideshow activities such as the straightjacket, bed of nails and even an appearance by a bearded ‘lady’ are covered well and with their own unique twist but as the show progresses we are met with a little more danger. One routine involving jumping feet-first into a pile of tiny Lego bricks can only be described as a parent’s worst nightmare. While the tricks or routines are defiantly breathtaking (in an OMG! What just happened? way) the interlude between them could use some sharpening. Although comedy does appear in the name of the show it was probably more sideshow variety than comedy. When it came to the finale it was clear that the audience was split: half in absolute amazement at what the Head Master, Maniac and Princess of Scars were doing to their bodies and the other half were just wondering why, why, WHY? This show definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you can appreciate what these performers are willing to subject their bodies to - all in the name of entertainment - then give it a go. Sarah Mena A Sideshow Comedy continues at Gluttony – Empyrean from 8.30pm until Sun 21 Feb. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.