Showing @ Assembly Hall, Edinburgh until Mon 26 Aug (not 13) @ 18:05
Juggling is redolent of old time variety, an antiquated skill which some would say has little appeal for modern audiences. The Gandini jugglers respond by proudly wearing their retro credentials on their sleeves: the gents are as brylcreemed and dapper as any Mad Man, the soundtrack ranges from wartime ditties to 1960s country and western, even the apples used throughout most of the show evoke Depression-era imagery. There initially appears to be a bit of good old-fashioned sexism too, although happily the ladies get their revenge eventually!
The nine performers are meticulously choreographed and perform their tag team tricks with balletic grace and just a hint of naughtiness. Smashed is a perfect family show with plenty of giggles, lots of action and charismatic performers who make it all look effortless. The chaotic finale, coming after such a slick show, lacks bite but it is an awful lot of fun getting there.