Smashed Deliver An Awe-Inspiring Juggling Experience At Royal Croquet Club – Adelaide Fringe Review

Royal Croquet Club’s Panama Club, Thu Feb 19 An afternoon tea party had never been so interesting, at least not until Gandini Juggling came along with their fascinating interpretation, Smashed. With nine performers, eighty apples and a stack of crockery you have to know something is bound to go wrong. A culmination of contemporary dance, music, a dash of comedy and most importantly juggling Smashed ranges from composed and disciplined to downright absurd as they finish their show. Juggling is the main feature of their performance and something that they do not disappoint on, taking it to a whole new level. While they start off individually they alternately join together to juggle in pairs and groups of three to an amazing nine people. At times there were many separate little performances going on which made it hard to know where to look. With some of the juggling sequences making an appearance more than once things got a little repetitive however you were still not able to look away, almost as though being hypnotised by the fast flying apples. However, this smooth sequence slowly turns into chaos as apples, tea cups, plates and tea pots as smashed in a frenzied fit as they try to out-do each other. While there are some hints of unnecessary gender stereotyping their bursts of well-timed comedic relief help bring the crowd back to what they do best, juggle. With a shorter running time and more regular changes in pace it may help work in their favour. Smashed is certainly a smashing bit of fun and an absolutely awe-inspiring performance of juggling, dedication and concentration. Sarah Mena Smashed continues at Royal Croquet Club’s Panama Club until Sat Mar 14. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.