A playground for the eyes!
If you’d like to discover greater heights, and a new appreciation for the ground beneath your feet, with By a Thread may be the show for you. The Australian high flyers delighted and astounded audiences with an hour of athletic circus and breathtaking acrobatics. Blending drama, athleticism and grace, there was never a dull moment as the performers defied gravity and created a spectacle worthy of its sell-out status.
It is almost impossible to convey the sheer strength demonstrated by this team. From dynamic solo work to stunning duos and genuinely fun ensemble sequences, the show was consistently high-energy and expertly executed. The only downfall, quite literally, came with a few missed landings and handoffs that occasionally disrupted the flow of the pieces and allowed a hint of nerves to show through. These moments were noticeable, particularly because the rest of the performance was so polished. Thankfully, they were neither frequent nor fatal, and in some ways they served as a reminder of the very real physical stakes involved. This is not illusion or trickery: the performers are genuinely putting their bodies on the line.
There was a genuine reverence for the craft on display, perhaps most notably in the duo underscored by Oh Wonder’s Technicolor Beat. It was an intense and intimate exchange between performers, revealing a real sense of vulnerability and trust while suspended high above the stage.
Just as important is the sheer joy these performers clearly have for what they do. Their enthusiasm for swinging, soaring and pushing their physical limits is infectious, allowing the audience to share in the exhilaration of each new feat. By a Thread is therefore more than a showcase of technical ability; it is a celebration of movement, collaboration and the courage required to trust both yourself and those around you.
With its combination of strength, grace, humour and genuine moments of danger, By a Thread is a thrilling demonstration of the international talent on display at this year’s festival. It leaves you looking upwards—and perhaps appreciating the ground beneath your feet just a little more.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/by-a-thread
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Assembly Rooms The Music Hall
Dates: Aug 6th -30th (exl. 12th, 17th, 24th)
Time: 15:55 (60 mins)
Ticket prices: £20.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 8+