Blizzard by FLIP Fabrique at the Southbank Centre is a contemporary circus production which captures both the harshness and wonder of winter through a fusion of acrobatics, clowning, live music and physical theatre.
Created by the Québec based company renowned for high level circus technique, Blizzard opens in a strikingly dark environment. Against sparse staging consisting of a piano, aerial cradle and trampo wall, distorted music hums beneath low atmospheric lighting that fractures into sharp golden isosceles shapes from above. Dry ice rolls across the stage as weather reports warning of freezing temperatures echo amongst the sounds of gale force winds. It immediately establishes an environment that feels hostile, isolated and stark.
An aerial cradle sequence provides the first major display of technical skill. The flyer and catcher execute elegant yet dangerous exchanges, delivering a commanding opening which introduces the production’s blend of ability and peril.
As the ensemble arrives in oversized winter coats, the intention is to display creative talent but the creation of the cold landscape lacks connection creating an objective environment. While this limits emotional connection, the production gradually reveals its humour through moments of playful clowning. A comic sequence involving endless layers of winter clothing captures the absurdity of layering clothing, while the recurring weather reports remind the audience that “Winter is not a season, it is a new way of life.”
Photo Credit: Sebastien Durocher
Rotation becomes a recurring visual and thematic motif throughout the production. Under dark lighting tones, performers engage in group snowball juggling and a cigar box juggler creates shifting movement patterns which evoke swirling snowstorms. One of the production’s strongest sequences arrives in the form of a duo juggling act performed around the sides of a giant rectangular box. The act is remarkable not only for its precision and speed, but for its clever amplification of sound, with every impact and catch adding a deeply satisfying rhythmic quality. Tricks arrive relentlessly, demanding exceptional reflexes and concentration from both performers.
A double straps act introduces daring drops and aerial choreography. Though unsynchronised at times, the charm and risk involved maintain the audience’s engagement. Elsewhere, six performers execute acro choreography across a tumble track, while a hat suspended on a fishing wire playfully drifts into the audience during a scene transition, creating an unexpected and joyful distraction.
The production noticeably lifts in tone during an upbeat skipping sequence involving five performers and an additional hoop dive. Following some of the colder and more stark imagery of the earlier sections, this burst of energy and playfulness feels especially welcome. A rollerblading duo then leads into a mesmerising LED hoop performance filled with colour, movement and joy, briefly transforming the frozen landscape into something magical and celebratory.
The choreography and dance sequences at times felt underdeveloped and lacking full commitment, both creatively and in performance. The result occasionally came across as stiff and joyless, perhaps limited by the cold theme itself, although the large tricks are certainly impressive enough to carry the show.
Photo Credit: Sebastien Durocher
The standout moment of the evening arrives during the trampoline pre finale. Three performers launch themselves to astonishing heights before landing atop a giant rectangular structure with synchronised front and back somersaults executed at breathtaking speed upping the stakes by removing part of the upper landing walkway. The finale makes use of the giant box itself which begins to rotate, culminating in the performers forming a pyramid within the moving structure. It is an exciting conclusion that captures the production’s ambition, creativity and technical skill.
Blizzard succeeds most when it embraces areas of spectacle. While some sections feel intentionally detached, FLIP Fabrique’s have clear athleticism, inventive tricks and theatrical instincts.
Blizzard by FLIP Fabrique, is part of the Southbank Centre’'s 75th anniversary programme. It plays at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall until 31 May
Photo Credits: Sebastien Durocher and Francis Fontaine
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