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Want to hear something Outrageous?
I have NEVER been to a show by Kinetica.
Yes, I know, we should probably revoke my Fringe reviewer card. After all, Kinetica has been delivering standout shows since 2012 and, in partnership with the iconic Barbie Q, are the producers of perennial Fringe favourite, Sinsuality.
But please allow me to pay penance by way of this review.
Outrageous offers a full spectrum of acrobatic entertainment, with a splash of hula hooping and fireplay thrown in for good measure.
It is clear that the cast are talented as each artist was well-received with raucous audience approval. These humans are pushing their bodies through tumbles, whiplash inducing movements and death drops and doing it with flair.
Where Outrageous shines is in its aerial artistry. The cast excels at the traditional rings, silks and trapeze. The aerial ring act featuring two artists was one of my standout favourites. I was transfixed by their graceful movement. I was also gobsmacked imagining how much strength training they do to be able to pull off some of their stunts.
Outrageous also introduced us to some intriguing new-fangled additions including a pole and metal cube. I was especially impressed by the pole dancer. I’ve seen enough bruises on my best friend’s legs to know that pole dancing is hard enough on a fixed stage. To do it, and ace it, while swinging through the air is magic.
Speaking of magic, I finally got to see Matthew Pope in his element. As I mentioned in a previous article, his reputation precedes him. This is evident in how he seems to be in EVERYTHING this Fringe season. I’ve personally seen him race from Connections to another show. His recent Instagram stories reveal that he did four shows in one night.
He certainly lived up to the hype. I could not take my eyes off him while he deftly manipulated the silks to give us everything from kicks, splits, drops and spins.
I’ve always associated Kinetica with more adult entertainment. Outrageous is not just “family friendly”, it truly does appeal to everyone. During this show, I told my son that whooping and cheering are the best way to let the performers know that we love their work. He was so enthusiastic with cheering that he left the show utterly exhausted.
Outrageous is worth all the stars I can possibly give in this review. I can’t wait for my next Kinetica show.
Outrageous III is playing nearly every day (except Monday and Tuesday) until 16th February.
Please note, this show does contain smoke effects and pyrotechnics.