Review: THE REVEL PUCK CIRCUS: A GLIMMER DAZE GAMBIT, Artsdepot At The Big Top
A masterclass in engagement, talent and heartfelt spectacle
A Glimmer Daze Gambit by Revel Puck Circus is a dazzling celebration of hope, community and the joy found in imperfection. Attending the final performance of its two week run, the atmosphere was already one of success with a sold-out Big Top filled with anticipation and excitement. What followed was a masterclass in audience engagement, spectacle and circus artistry, that perfectly demonstrates why Revel Puck Circus continues to redefine contemporary circus for new audiences.
The experience begins long before the first act. The pre show audience interaction is remarkable and immediately immerses audiences into the playful world of the Pucks. A giant balloon game of “keepy uppy” sends streaks of joy across the tent, accompanied by a basketball hoop challenge and jolly instrumental music that sets an uplifting tone. The interaction continues seamlessly into the show itself with three audience members invited on stage for a delightfully chaotic and joyful moment involving jingling hats, drums and triangles, landing brilliantly with audiences of all ages.
The Big Top itself is jovial, colourful and technically impressive, creating an inviting world bursting with possibility. The show opens with exhilarating energy as a playful red light darts across the performance space introducing the ensemble and establishing the story of Stella and Kit arriving at their dream circus home and desperately trying to find where they fit.
From there, A Glimmer Daze Gambit becomes a glorious parade of extraordinary skill and ensemble storytelling. A joyous teeterboard act showcases immense strength, playful tricks and breathtaking balance, whilst one particularly inspired sequence involving suitcases of varying sizes unfolds to amusing musical accompaniments ranging from Scottish bagpipes to animal noises, encouraging audience participation and proving one of the evening’s standout comic moments.
The quality of circus artistry throughout is exceptional. Audiences are treated to what feels like an endless succession of stunning acts including seamless duo juggling, acrobatic balancing duets, cloud swing performances and intricate balancing feats atop boards and balls of increasingly astonishing scale. One extraordinary sequence saw artists balancing upon everything from a bowling ball to an enormous sphere and board capable of supporting an unbelievable eleven performers.
A particular highlight comes from Imani Vital whose red straps performance is simply mesmerising. Combining remarkable strength with grace and artistry, the act becomes one of the production’s most visually arresting and emotionally breathtaking moments.
Act One concludes in spectacular fashion with a pentagon of fire, a mini motorbike and audible gasps of astonishment rippling throughout the audience. It is the perfect encapsulation of Revel Puck Circus’s ethos, combining spectacle with genuine emotional connection. Act Two's standout moment was a cyr wheel performance both above and below a stage which rose, utterly mesmerising and thoroughly divine with every spin.
What makes Revel Puck Circus so special is their instinctive understanding of audiences. They know precisely what audiences want, need and respond to, whilst never sacrificing artistic depth or storytelling. A Glimmer Daze Gambit beautifully embodies their mission of creating circus that is poignant yet joyful, sophisticated yet universally accessible.
This is circus at its finest. A masterclass in engagement, tricks, talent and entertainment, wrapped in a heartfelt story about belonging, resilience and finding joy in the journey itself.
The Barnet-based run is part of Light + Flight, a year of creativity, connection, and belonging in Barnet. Light + Flight is presented by Art in Barnet. It is supported by a Cultural Impact Award, part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture programme. It is made possible with additional support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
The Revel Puck Circus UK tour of A Glimmer Daze Gambit continues until September 2026.
Photo Credits: Craig Sugden and Tekla Szöcs photography
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