This is one show that I was urged by a number of people to see. And our boys from Brussels did not disappoint. The appeal of Cirque du Soleil and performances within that genre had previously been a mystery to me. But it is impossible not to become absorbed in the world they have created, their musical mastery and clever clowning.
As they describe it: “in spite of themselves they have discovered that it is better to take gravity lightly and laugh at everything, despair of nothing”.
They present a place where they perform mundane tasks and are advised to control their emotions by an unseen, authoritative voice. Confined together they constantly compete for their own amusement to the unbridled glee of the audience. There are drawn out scenes which may have the minds of some onlookers wandering but invariably this involves patient development that culminates with an impressive punch. Their smart slapstick and slick circus skills have every man, woman and child laughing and gasping in unison.
The sinister, sad clown of Benji Bernard and the smug but admirable premier in Philippe Van De Weghe would be a perfect pair alone. However, there are another two to enjoy. Unlike many troupes at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year, Les Argonautes were formed over a decade ago and have been touring this particular show for three years. Their understanding of one another and their breathtaking routine is the secret to their success and something other acts will envy.
4/5
By Daniel Baird
