Review: BY A THREAD: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2018 at The Peacock At Gluttony

Reviewed by Fiona Talbot-Leigh, Saturday 3rd March 2018

Seven acrobats plus thirty metres of rope makes for one very unique and mesmerizing show. By a Thread, presented by One Fell Swoop Circus, boasts some of Australia's best up and coming circus performers, namely: Ela Bartilomo, Sarah Berrell, Ryan Darwin, Piri Goodman, Luke Thomas, Jonathan Morgan, and Charice Rust, with the latter two directing this seamlessly beautiful piece of physical theatre.

For theatre is what it was. Performed to a background of funky music, this incredibly talented ensemble, professionals in their own right, held their audience captive for the entire duration of the show.

Their lithe bodies moved in such a way, making it all look far too easy for us laypeople as each person strutted the space in style. They appear at times superhuman, as they twist and contort themselves to the point where I caught myself thinking, "is the human body really meant to stretch that far?" The obvious answer being, yes, with what was unfolding before me.

The overall general fitness of the group, putting my humble core strength to shame, coupled with the youthful exuberance of each performer, was simply a joy to watch. As talented as they all are, you also got the sense that they don't take themselves too seriously, as there was a real sense of joy and fun emanating from the stage.

There were audible gasps and continual applause from the audience as we bore witness to a five-person pyramid, jaw-dropping stunts from great heights, without a safety net, and beautiful routines performed so intimately, all twisted up within a long length of rope. As well as the talent that is between them, there is also a great deal of trust within this group, which was the underlying current to this incredible and intricate piece.

By a Thread is beautiful in its simplicity and its talented troupe of acrobats turn a piece of rope into a piece of art. There are plenty of performances left, many starting after 10pm, so, if you find yourself at Gluttony late at night, perhaps at a loose end, just follow the thread to The Peacock. You won't be disappointed.

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