Review: LIMBO at London Wonderground (Southbank Centre)

LIMBO

London Wonderground (Southbank Centre)

Reviewed on Thursday 15th May 2014

Despite us all being desensitised and unimpressed by anything less than spectacular, there's something about a well-executed circus performance that baffles and delights us all. However, to describe LIMBO as a circus is probably an insult as it's so much more than that.

LIMBO blends music, circus, acrobatics and magic in a unique way which leaves the audience speechless, gasping for breath and feeling a little flustered (you can't deny it - the performers are hot). Although it takes a little while to get going, once it gets underway there's non-stop drama as the performers contort themselves into impossible positions, disappear, reappear and showcase some unimaginable talents.

Musical Director and composer Sxip Shirey described the music as 'jank'. Performed by the cast, the music is "absurdly beautiful" - it’s created with over 50 instruments and sound-making devices, including a banjo, marbles, a polymba and a bullhorn. Everything comes together and perfectly complements the performance, at times it's hard to believe it's all live.

Interview: LIMBO’s Sxip Shirey & Evelyne Allard

Sxip Shirey

Following the success of last year’s season, LIMBO – a circus show like no other – has returned to the Southbank Centre as part of its current world tour where it plays until 17th August 2014. 

Last week I headed down to London Wonderground for the very first time to have a sneak peek at the show and chat to some of the cast. At first glance the Spiegeltent looked traditional, but after a closer look the vibe is completely different, with a band situated at the back of the tent and booths tucked away behind the rows of chairs. 

It doesn’t take long to pick up on LIMBO’s uniqueness whilst watching just a few small segments. It may be bold, sexy and incredibly daring, but it is Sxip Shirey's music which takes the show to a whole new level. Featuring brass, electronics, hip-hop and club beats, the various influences are fascinating but come together beautifully. 

After being wowed by Sxip Shirey’s score, I sat down with the composer to discuss his music. “It’s really unique” he told me, “It’s weird because I write pop and R&B tunes and people are always surprised. As a composer my music is always trying to convey direct and emotional contents. I think concepts are cheap, I could come up with 100 clever concepts but to come up with one melody which actually conveys something to someone is hard. The music in this show is exciting, it’s fresh.”

Competition: Win tickets to LIMBO at London Wonderground

Heather Holliday in LIMBO

Fancy winning a pair of complimentary tickets to a performance (Sunday - Thursday in May) of LIMBO at the Southbank Centre?

If so, all you have to do is sign up to West End Frame's mailing list below! The winner will be randomly selected at 10am on Monday 19th May 2014 (entries after this time will not be included). 

LIMBO fires up the Southbank Centre once more between 7th May – 17th August 2014 with circus as you've never seen it: wild, wicked and out of this world. Hot on the heels of an international tour, the stunning original cast returns to whisk audiences into a sinister netherworld of jaw-dropping contortion, gut-churning aerial acrobatics, nail-biting stunts and staggering illusions.

Directed by Scott Maidment, and set to Sxip Shirey's thrilling live score of brass, electronics, hip-hop and club beats, take your seats ringside in the magnificent 1920s inspired Spiegeltent for the hottest party ever between heaven and hell.