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EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: THE RAUNCH, Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows, 12 August

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Featured Topic Edinburgh Festival More Coverage

Strap on your boots, tie your horse up outside and get in line because the circus has come to town. Blowing in from London comes The Raunch - a naughty variety show with a cowboy twist.

Circus skills like fire breathing and balancing acts mix with the modern, including hoverboards and one of the funniest but most awe-inspiring laser shows you will never unsee.

The costumes may be bright and the theme boot-slappin', but don't expect bad American accents and fun for all the family. Its bold and British soundtrack, filthy disco beats, and raw, playful sexuality give it a unique flair And the denim is defiantly dirty.

Unfortunately, a few of the acts fall flat. When the bullet is golden it hits bullseye, but when it misses it is still enjoyable over tumbleweed. It's a real mix of the good and the bad, but there is nothing and no one ugly. My Bad Sister are the breakout stars of the show. Exploding with attitude and talent, they excel at each skill they perform.

The Wild West theme really works locking the acts together, with a loose story of heroes and villains adding structure without taking too much time.

A little bit country and a little bit rock n roll, all with a grimy London flavour. The Raunch is energetic, entertaining and worth saddling up for.

The Raunch runs at Underbelly's Circus Hub on the Meadows until 22 August.

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