Review: Mother Africa, Assembly Hall (Venue 35)

Papa Africa is not a man to be messed with. If he tells you to clap and cheer, then you clap and cheer. Although to be fair, after the initial warm-up, we don’t need to be told twice. * * *


With 18 performers on stage, there’s enough action in Mother Africa to keep the audience busy with applause.

There are two sides to this lively family show: native African culture and remarkable circus skills – but the two don’t quite chime. The band is as tight as a drum and wholly authentic, giving the show a real sense of place. So too the energetic gumboot dancing, performed here in a face-off with two tap dancers. But the juggling, balancing and unicycle-riding could have come from anywhere.

If it’s jaw-droppers you’re after, however, then you’ve come to the right show. Placing one chair on top of another until he reaches the lighting rig, an acrobat performs the most perilous handstand in town.

Another rides the world’s smallest unicycle (it’s official). But most singular is the contortionist, whose spine is so agile he can practically turn his body back to front.

Until 27 August. Today 2:20pm.