SOAP: Stunningly Physical, Fast-Paced And Dripping Wet Acrobatics! – Adelaide Fringe Review

Royal Croquet Club’s Panama Club, Sat Feb 14 There’s a reason why this show has been such a hit – it lives up to the hype! Just like a Cirque Du Soleil performance there is an array of stunning physical feats that shouldn’t be humanly possible, in a fast-paced heavily choreographed program with the emphasis firmly on thrilling entertainment. For reasons unexplained tonight’s performance started over 20 minutes late – perhaps the logistics of moving such a large sold out crowd into the Panama tent still proving a little difficult, but any initial annoyance is quickly forgotten when the bath action gets underway. SOAP never takes itself too seriously. There are very athletic bodies twisting and contorting acrobatically, but a main character who is anything but athletic keeps the comedy relief coming. Sometimes it gets a little wacky – the grand music of Rimsky-Korsakov set to the lyrics of Splish Splash (I Was Taking A Bath…) for example, but that is typical of the fun to be had from this show. Elsewhere the soundtrack contains some sublime moments. I neither know nor care whether the various physical feats performed in this show are done better elsewhere. What I can say is that this is a dazzlingly choreographed piece of physical theatre – yes you’ve seen handstands before, but on the edge of a bath? No doubt you’ve witnessed amazing juggling tricks and breathtaking aerial trapeze, but in the bathroom? Acrobats who are soaking wet? Despite any suggestion or expectation that this might make proceedings a little sleazy, the show remains a squeaky clean family-friendly affair, although apparently patrons do have to be over the age of six. If you are lucky enough to get a seat close to the front, be careful not to wear something too expensive! Not all of the bathwater remains on stage… There are plenty of surprises but, of course, I can’t tell you about those! Adrian Miller SOAP continues at Royal Croquet Club's The Panama Club from 8.30pm until Sun Mar 15. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.