Words: Elodie Marriott
Image: Andre Pattenden

4 Stars

Where most children’s shows tend to ramp and rile up, Out of the Box maintains an intentionally calm atmosphere that allows audiences to enjoy inventive circus tricks without first being whipped into a frenzy. 

Darryl J Carrington is a pleasure to watch. Ending each trick with a modest smile and shoulder shrug, his silent comedy is entirely engaging, uttering only a few syllables throughout the runtime. His warm persona makes it easy for audience members to accept the invitation (in the form of a chalk caricature) to join him on stage for mock competitions of Find the End of the Sticky Tape.

The acts that make up Out of the Box are kept fairly simple and executed to a high standard. Carrington reveals his cinephile side with a Rocky-esque training session for his somersaulting toy dog and a Mission Impossible inspired heist gag which requires the help of eager volunteers. Highlights of the show include an impressive juggling section and a trick that requires countless toothbrushes sailing through the air.

The show is an oasis in the busyness of the Fringe. Head over to Out of the Box for plenty of laughs, minus the hysteria.

Darryl J Carrington: Out of the Box
The Wee Coo at Underbelly, George Square
13.20
5-31