AERIAL: An Ensemble Of Powerful And Skilful Women Aerialists at Gluttony – Adelaide Fringe Review

Gluttony – The Octagon, Sat 27 Feb AERIAL’s White Team opening silk display was adequate but not brilliant. From the audience – which is up close and personal to the performers in The Octagon tent – you could see and feel the mechanics of the teamwork and the concentration on the faces of the aerialists. These women have learned skills – now they need to learn to perform them. From there things improved. Individual aerialists worked the rope, pole and net at a very high level and the contortionist was gasp-inducing. The Black Team put on a highly accomplished display on silks and had the packed house enthralled. The comperes attempted to add humour in between the acts, but unfortunately the jokes largely fell flat and in the end the result was actually to diminish the atmosphere in the room, which was much more intense and interesting when the Aerialists were performing. It is difficult to review a show that both shines and disappoints. AERIAL’s greatest asset is its ensemble of powerful, skilful women aerialists. It was absolutely thrilling to see a group of women performing extremely difficult tricks, but it was disappointing that the overall design of the show lacked and that the comedy breaks failed to lift the room. However, my young gymnast companion was captivated and didn’t want the show to end. What it lacked in sheer artistry, AERIAL made up for in the pleasure of watching my young friend observe from close quarters the amazing feats of strength, flexibility and grace these women aerialists could achieve. Lynette Washington AERIAL continues at Gluttony – The Octagon from 5.15pm until Sun 28 Mar [SOLD OUT].