From the crucible that brought us last year’s ‘La Clique’, Smoke and Mirrors is another treat from the Australian post-cabaret scene. In the first half alone I found myself amazed, aroused, approving and all-together entertained by a distinct array of derring-do and magic.
Smoke and Mirrors is perhaps in the running for the best value for money of any Fringe performance I have seen so far. Admittedly it isn’t free, nor is it a fiver, but the quality you get over the two hours (inc. interval) makes the entrance fee seem under-valued. Though that’s perhaps not the sort of thing I should be divulging to Fringe promoters, this really is world-class stuff from the Famous Spiegeltent.
It is no over-statement to say that if you are okay with strobe effects and adult themes, you are going to enjoy this no matter what else you have seen. The only caveat I would make is that the attempts to string a narrative between the acts is fairly flimsy. I managed to put that to one side myself easily enough by enjoying the enigmatic Heavy Metal-meets-Circus band that carries you through the piece. If that doesn’t do it for you, the phoenix-like giant bunny-rabbits, or the vertical sychronised swimmers should do the trick. Go and see this, it’s what the Festival is all about.
Show times
Till 30 August, 7pm/10pm
Ticket prices
£20 (£15)