From the off in this madcap show the audience are fully involved. The Kagools eye-up unsuspecting victims as they come in, pouncing on people whether they are sitting at the front or the back. No seat is safe and yet no face is unsmiling.
The Kagools (Nicky Wilkinson and Claire Ford) have perfected their unique brand of comedy pulling off madcap stunts without uttering a word and at this year’s Fringe have created their very own circus complete with a ringmaster (remember those unsuspecting audience members?), a strongman competition and acrobats to name but a few.
It’s a physical comedy machine that’s worked its magic on audiences for a number of years now, winning numerous comedy awards both in Edinburgh and across in Adelaide. And it is easy to see why. The ability to deliver comedy with facial expression and action alone is quite a skill and so expressive are the duo, and with such good chemistry to boot, that a hilarious hour unfolds.
A screen on stage has various scenes projected on to it which Wilkinson and Ford add to from behind, even passing commentary (albeit silently) on recent political events while performing a trampoline routine. It’s simple but incredibly effective and the rehearsals which must have gone into getting the timing of each section exactly right is testament to the hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes of so many Fringe shows, and to those unsung heroes, ‘the tech guys’.
Suitable for all ages, there are moments of adult humour which will go over the kids’ heads and moments of slapstick which only the youngest will be belly laughing at but it would take a very stern person indeed not to spend this show smiling from ear-to-ear. Expect the unexpected down at Cirque du Kagool but also expect to smile and laugh until your jaws are aching! And expect to be involved!