London Wonderground 2014: Limbo at the Southbank Centre

Call your mother and tell her you’re running away with the circus, but before you do you’d better have abs of steel, exceptional talent and plenty of sex appeal to join this group of raunchy performers. Returning for the summer run at the Southbank Centre after a successful world tour, Limbo is back by popular demand, bigger and better than ever before: showcasing a host of acrobatics, dance and music with masses of humour and showmanship.

Set between heaven and the depths of hell, Limbo has images of damnation and ecstasy throughout, from the feisty Heather Holliday’s fire breathing to the eerie contortion of Jonathan Nosan. The performances ring with lust-fuelled energy and sinful movement, displaying impeccable strength and effortless grace.

There is such a mix of talent in this small group of performers, showing the mindblowing potential of the human body with contemporary acts like Danik Abishev’s jumping pole routine and Evelyn Allard’s more traditional aerial hoop, the hardest part is knowing when not to clap. The acrobatics are punctuated with flirty comedy – teasing and playing with the audience with fire and danger – expert tap dancing from Hilton Dennis, and experimental music from ring leader Sxip Shirley: a funky hybrid of blues and hip hop, incorporating drums, brass and beatboxing with explosive energy.

The stage is an alarming 11-feet wide, making the death-defying stunts even more impressive. Much of the spectacle happens up in the air, inches away from the audience. The stage design is simple but effective, with powerful lighting creating props like bars and cages, adding another element to the show.

The show’s main strength is the cast’s obvious chemistry. They flow and connect together, allowing each and everyone of them to shine; it’s a joy to watch and suggests Limbo will continue to amaze for years to come. Prepare for saucy cabaret, amazing stunts and sore hands from applauding.

Violet Myers
Photos: David Solm

Limbo is showing as part of London Wonderground 2014 at the Southbank Centre until 17^th August 2014, for further information or to book visit here.