Step Behind The Stage
Circa's Duck Pond
Royal Festival Hall, London - 19/12/24
Review by Alex King
Duck Pond tells the classic stories of The Ugly Duckling and Swan Lake in a single adaptation, performed by a cast of incredibly talented artists with minimal staging. The set is almost entirely empty, save for a white backdrop that allows the performers to remain the sole focus while occasionally casting stunning shadows, enhanced by Alexander Berlage’s lighting design.
The performers displayed truly phenomenal feats of human ability. Watching them suspended high above the stage, supported only by straps, silks, or a trapeze, was equally terrifying and dazzling. The fluidity of their movements felt almost impossible to comprehend.
The skill extended to the ground as well, with sequences that were just as spectacular. One particularly striking moment involved a female performer executing an acrobalance routine using a male performer as her stage—all while wearing high heels.
With any performance, minor mishaps can occur, and when the focus is so purely on the performers, these moments can be more noticeable. However, the trust and chemistry among the company allowed them to carry on effortlessly, maintaining the show’s seamless flow.
Another delightful surprise was the clever use of physical comedy throughout. Without a single word spoken, the company elicited genuine laughter from the audience, whether through the duckling parade or the ugly duckling disappearing beneath a stack of pillows. These playful moments help distinguish Duck Pond from other purely acrobatic performances.
Circa continues to push the boundaries of performing arts, exploring new ways to showcase circus as an art form. While some elements might have been utilised more effectively, there is no doubt this company is unafraid of experimentation. I look forward to seeing what they achieve next.