Words: Elodie Marriott

Given a coloured wristband upon entry, your allegiance to a team is decided; you are either a blue or a red. The show is a high-intensity and energetic battle between the colours, which are equivalents of Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets. A perfect way to display the drama and emotion of Romeo & Juliet, through the dangerous and theatrical elements of circus and acrobatics. 

The stunts in this performance force exclamations of admiration and disbelief from your mouth, which is entirely fitting, and encouraged, for the loud and competitive atmosphere cultivated by the warring sides. By involving the audience in the teams, we genuinely care about the outcome, which makes the skilfully choreographed fight scenes seem even more real.

Round after round, the opposing sides exhibit their abilities with hula hoops and diabolos, showcasing their incredible strength and balance. The stakes are high, with the cast climbing eye-wateringly tall poles and pausing for applause, before dropping swiftly headfirst, coming to an abrupt stop less than an inch away from the floor. 

Duel Reality is a spectacle that will truly astonish all who experience it. And should make parents a little more wary when their children ask to play on the seesaw!

The 7 Fingers: Duel Reality
Underbelly’s Circus Hub on the Meadows, The Lafayette
20.30
15-20, 22-26 Aug