Ladies and Jellybeans! Circus Trick Tease has crafted a rollicking, ridiculous ride that grabs
the audience right from the start and, in the hands of charismatic comics Sam Aldham and
Josie Wardrope doesn’t let go. This tight 50-minute show is jam-packed with action, jokes, audience participation, and impressive stunts. It starts strong and devolves into expertly choreographed chaos.
Producer and director Malia Walsh has designed a show perfectly suited to its youthful
audience. The deceptively simple set design allows for an unobstructed view of the action on
stage while cleverly hiding necessary props until they are whimsically revealed, much to the
audience's amusement. The upbeat backing track, a mix of '90s pop and kids' film classics, matched the children's energy with the excitement on stage. I didn’t expect to find myself jamming out to a Spice Girls/Lion King remix but ended up happily grooving, clapping,
oohing, and aahing with the rest.
Sam and Josie expertly navigate the demands of the show, seamlessly transitioning from
banter to dance breaks, from jokes to the important task of coaching young children to
heckle correctly. They balance each other's energy wonderfully, performing with a level of
rehearsal that feels off-the-cuff and playful.
Of course, the circus tricks that give the company its name were the piece's highlight.
My four-year-old theatre buddy first tried to balance his popcorn between clapping hands
before passing the box to me to give the tandem juggling his full attention. I can spout praise
for days, but the quote of the day for me was from my son, who, while watching Josie
complete a trapeze routine that was “like the best monkey bars ever,” turned to gush,
“Thanks for inviting me, Mummy. This is amazing.” A four-year-old's stamp of approval and mine too. The next time I see Circus Trick Tease advertised in the area, I will be purchasing a ticket without delay, and I encourage you to do the same.
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