360 Allstars at London Wonderground

Opening the London Wonderground season at a new site in Earls Court (though it is closer to West Brompton station) is the all-male troupe 360 Allstars. Some of the cast members may have changed, but the concept of the show remains the same: Hungarian BMX Flatlander Peter Sore, Cyr wheel performer Josh Curtis, breakdancers Bboy Chris and Daz and basketball freestyler Trickstar showcase their physical skills – both individually, in duos and as an ensemble – and produce a high-spirited, fun-filled act for all the family.

Veteran performer Sore begins the production with a routine packed with tail-whips, bunnyhops and bar spins, to name a few. Following him is the show-stealing breakdancing duo, who engage in an exhibition that demonstrates an athletic prowess worthy of an Olympic gold medal. 

The Trickstar is as effervescent as his fellow performers, but the stunts that are hyped as being his most impressive are not as masterly as previous freestylers. Fortunately, his animated persona coaxes out the whoops and cheers of approval for each trick. Following him is Curtis, who performs his Cyr routine with a balletic grace that helps to dispel any underwhelmed feelings left by the previous act.

The routines do not just revolve around the physical either. Joint MC, hype man and beatboxer Ball-Zee performs a solo beatboxing turn that demonstrates supremely talented vocal dexterity, and a pounding drum performance from Mikey Sorbello is so powerful it threatens to break the raised stage platform he plays on.

One notable weakness in the programme is the rudimentary production that tries to hold the show together. The projection screen is underused, the lighting is restricted or deployed out of time, and the joint musical combination of drums, MC and backing tracks become as repetitive as some of the tricks, which feel as though they are deployed to pad out the show to reach the full hour. 

While the elementary technical features do not match the zealous commitment given by all the performers, the 360 Allstars shine brightly thanks to their vivacious knockabout energy, which keeps younger members of the audience engaged until the end.

Francis Nash
Image: Dee McCourt

360 Allstars is at London Wonderground from 17^th July until 14^th August 2021. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.