Time for Fun, Assembly Roxy (Venue 139)

By Kelly Apter
Published on 23/08/2012 15:49

It’s not unusual for people to pull up their sleeves before starting work. But usually, something physical or messy ensues – not the artistic, imaginative and witty activity Hand Made Theatre provides in their aptly named show, Time for Fun.

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Dressed entirely in black, the ten performers jog onstage with a look of excitement that borders on infectious. Peeling back their sleeves to reveal elbow-length white gloves, the music kicks in and the fun begins.

Not a word is spoken, although several words are indeed communicated (you’ll have to unravel that cryptic statement yourself, by seeing the show). In fact, revealing the specifics of any of this performance is counter-productive, and would only serve to lessen the enjoyment.

Because the main thrill here is watching exactly what this talented troupe from St Petersburg can create with their hands and arms. Sometimes they join forces, with ten bodies (or more specifically limbs) working together like a symbiotic machine. Other times, they go it alone. Roughly half the show is performed with normal theatrical lighting, the rest with luminous trickery that really puts those white gloves to good use.

Hand Made Theatre has also brought a children’s show to Edinburgh – Circus In Hand – but Time For Fun is one of those rare shows that genuinely entertains all ages. Some of the “creations” may be less recognisable than others, but the ones that work are laugh-out-loud funny, while the specially created “Scottish section” obviously goes down a storm.

There are patches here when the company’s desire for artistry takes over the need to entertain. Such moments are brief, but could easily be dispensed with. It says a lot about the rest of the hour, however, that despite the odd temporary drop in momentum, this is still a strong four-star show.

Until 27 August. Today 2:30pm.