Presented by Circus Trick Tease
Reviewed 18 February 2018
Can’t Face is a prime example of what the Fringe is all about, providing an in-expensive show that will have you not only in stitches of laughter, but gasps of amazement at the talent on display in this sixty-minute spectacular.
It’s a mix of outrageous cabaret, impressive acrobatics, captivating circus tricks, a hell of a lot of humour, a range of ridiculous costumes, and even some light nudity – there’s a little bit of something for everyone! The show not-so subtly references topics we would normally keep to ourselves (such as bowel movements and sex positions), while also lightly poking fun at the modern day ethical man and the vices of religion with laugh-out-loud moments resulting.
The acrobatics in Can’t Face are truly incredible, and not just because performers, Malia Walsh and Vincent Van Berkel, are extremely talented with what appears to be super-human strength, but because the venue isn’t that of a cavernous Cirque De Soleil tent. Instead it provides a much smaller, more intimate venue where the audience can witness every muscle twitch and hand grasp as the pair deliver their perfected routines. It’s rare to be this close to the physical action of high-quality acrobatics and is quite an experience that leaves you in total awe of these talented performers can do with their bodies.
Jamie Bretman is definitely the clown of the show, and he appears to love every second of it. From juggling and hula-hooping to making his own engagement ring out of balloons (and proposing to a somewhat stunned audience member), his circus buffoonery will have you doubled over with laughter.
Impressively talented vocalist, Carol Cates, proves exactly why she is such a well-known face in the UK cabaret scene with her soulful voice contrasting with the rather unexpectedly naughty lyrics. Her specialties include songs about the constant need in life to poop and a very detailed description of how she’d like her next act of copulation to go.
Circus Trick Tease is a successful, self-produced company that debuted in 2008 at the Melbourne Fringe and has since then toured the UK, including performing at the London National Theatre, and won awards such as ACAPT at the People’s Choice Awards, and most recently the SA touring award in its debut season.
This show is an absolute must-see and worth every dollar of the ticket price. If you’re after an outstanding show that has a bit of something for everyone, Can’t Face will absolutely provide and is a perfect 2018 Adelaide Fringe experience.
Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox
Rating out of 5: 5
Venue: Spiegel Zelt at Gluttony, Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka, Cnr East Tce & Rundle Rd, Adelaide, SA, 5000
Season: 16 Feb – 12 March
Duration: 60 min
Tickets: $18 – $26
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/can-t-face-af2018
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