Review: Knee Deep at Riverside Studios

Knee Deep

Riverside Studios (Studio 2)

Reviewed on Wednesday 30th May 2013

Internationally renowned circus company, Casus, have completely re-invented the meaning of the word circus with their stunning show Knee Deep. Usually a circus show features a larger than life ringmaster and clowns with bright makeup but Knee Deep takes the circus back to basics. The four performers get up close and personal with the audience in the fairly intimate space of Studio 2 at Riverside Studios and dressed in plain costumes they are totally exposed with nowhere to hide.

The four performers are mind-blowingly brilliant. Their strength and control is unbelievable while their close bond and extreme trust is evident at all times. The routines they perform are beautiful... well that is until Emma Serjeant (the only female member of Casus) sticks a nail up her nose before picking up a hammer - I can't tell you what happens next because I had to look away!

The routines are utterly captivating and keep the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. The use of props (some of which you would expect to see in a circus and others you would not) keep the show fresh and interesting. The hour long performance went by in a flash and left me wanting more.

Most of the music is hauntingly atmospheric, however I would have liked a little more variation as it became a little repetitive in places. Other than that it is hard to fault this spectacular show.

It you want to see something completely different you must make time to see Knee Deep at Riverside Studios. It will blow you away.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Knee Deep runs at Riverside Studios (Studio 2) until 22nd June 2013.
Please visit www.riversidestudios.co.uk for further information and to book tickets.

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