Sophie’s Surprise 29th returns to the Circus Hub for its fourth year at the Fringe, and it is no surprise as to why — it promises an evening packed with house party bangers, pass the parcel, audience participation and circus extravaganza. The central premise is that every night, a Sophie is plucked from the audience and adorned with a party hat to celebrate her surprise birthday. What unfolds around the chosen Sophie is amazing feats of acrobatic strength and skill, with moments of wildly silly mayhem.
Before the show began, as people filed in, the music played, and the party-going characters wove between the seats, some acting coy and mingling while one clambered through the audience, passing around a bowl of onion rings — introducing us to the chaos that will commence. A highlight of the show was the band of parodied characters from the popular girl, the goth, the jock, the nerd and, of course, the drug dealer, who were performed by immensely talented circus artists from companies like Cirque du Soleil, La Clique, and The 7 Fingers.
Each performer brought their strengths within their circus disciplines, yet each still delivered surprises throughout the show. Katharine Arnold and Cornelius Atkinson performed gravity-defying aerial choreography, and Isis Clegg-Vinell and Nathan Redwood Price’s roller-skating routine left the front row uneasy as they spun at speeds that shocked the tent. The show’s central comedian was unicyclist Sam Goodburn, who brought begrudging dads onto the stage to enjoy the party. The lighthearted plot moved the show along seamlessly, and the audience was constantly entertained while aerial hoops and ropes were rigged.
The show’s unique draw comes from its mix of jaw-dropping circus acts and comedy skits, creating a night of wonderment and pure joy. The evening was definitely a party, with a stellar soundtrack that had people clapping and singing along in their chairs. To avoid the FOMO this year, head over to Sophie’s big birthday bash.
Sophie’s Surprise 29th is running until 29 August at The Beauty at Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows. Buy Tickets here.
Image by Roger Robinson, provided for press use.
