Seatbelts ready for juggling like you’ve never seen before
In the cavernous Assembly Roxy, Wes Peden brought a juggling spectacle to life. Based on an childhood love of rollercoasters, and their pretzel shapes, we were presented with an hour of energetic movement and extraordinary skill in his ultra-modern pop-punk homage.
Beginning with a soundtrack of mechanical clanking depicting the creation of the rollercoasters and their tracks, Peden used his fluid and balletic movements to knit himself into various positions with a long transparent tube, sending balls spiralling around his body.
An automated-ish voiceover introduces the theme of the show, and reoccurred to excellent effect throughout – adding warmth and depth to the show, including a well timed tribute to computer game Rollercoaster Tycoon.
As the show progressed, more and more props were unveiled, to join him and his three huge blue inflatable structures, emblematic of the swooping rollercoaster tracks. These ranged from hoops, to juggling clubs, spinning plates, smoke machine, and rather sensational control of his own body too.
Such was his mastery, it seemed at times the air was thicker around him – placing his various objects into the air, at his willing and only coming coming out of orbit around him if strictly permitted. If a ball had been left suspended in air, defying gravity, I wouldn’t have been surprised.
The frenetic energy of the “Seatbelt” section is a comical example purportedly why performers sometimes need a back-up plan if things don’t go their way. A carefully choreographed routine oscillating between the ‘success’ cymbal, and ‘failure’ disco light, and the clear delight of the performer, had the audience entranced.
For the juggling newbie, dismiss all your preconceived ideas about what this show will be about – this one surpasses anything you have seen before. Surging miles beyond the typical circus-like entertainment, this unforgettable spectacle resulted in a well deserved standing ovation.