Bianco circus at Roundhouse is 'exhilarating and joyful'
Circus show at Roundhouse is ramshackle fun with 'moments of rare beauty'
What you need to knowThe latest show from Cardiff-based contemporary circus company NoFit State, Bianco, has opened at the Roundhouse in London. NoFit State are best-known for their 2009 show Tabu.
Bianco is inspired by José Saramago's novel The Elephant's Journey. The immersive 'promenade' show moves around a standing audience and combines live music with theatrical and circus performances. Until 27 April.
What the critics likeNoFit State's Bianco is an "organic, almost steampunk tangle of tattoos and tutus", says Bruce Desseau in the Evening Standard. It's an earthy antidote to Cirque Du Soleil, and the seductive, exuberant mood is infectious.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"The show is at its exhilarating best when it is simplest," says Lyn Gardner in The Guardian. There's an exquisitely understated juggling act and a dance-trapeze finale combining first-rate skills with joyful, unashamed pleasure.
Bianco is warm-hearted, charming, ramshackle and fun, says Keith Watson in Metro. There's an excellent live band, whose singer does a mean Johnny Cash impression, but there's also "rare beauty in the quiet moments".
What they don't likeThere are some enchanting images conjured by Bianco, but "precious little narrative" to weld them together, says Laura Barnett in Time Out. And the continual rearranging of the set is distracting for the audience, without adding to the show.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why is Tesla stumbling?
In the Spotlight More competition, confusion about the future and a giant pay package for Elon Musk
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
How Taylor Swift changed copyright negotiations in music
under the radar The success of Taylor's Version rerecordings has put new pressure on record labels
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Job scams are increasingly common. Here's what to look out for.
The Explainer You should never pay for an application or give out your personal info before being hired
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published