15th British Juggling Convention
A Night of Surprises -(the show)
I had never really been to anything like this
before! Andy, Steve Dobinson and I got the bus
in early, and wandered around Whitstable for
a while, went for a McD's (tried the new Creme
Egg McFlurry, yummy!)
Andy lost his ticket, but luckily was given
another one for free. When we were all seated
in the theatre, a massive chain of balloons
was passed round the theatre several times,
each time becoming longer and longer!
The compere (Soapy) has been getting some stick
from people at rec.juggling for using foul language,
and I have to agree that although I found him
very funny, there were children and general
public present they didn't need to hear that
sort of language. It is different in the renegade
shows (which are not open to the public), because
the adults can choose whether to bring their
kids and they know what to expect.
Performances
I will not attempt to remember all the performers,
but write about the ones that caught my imagination!
DevilStick Peat: showing us the fastest
trick in the world (did you see it, I'll do it again)!
Excellent performer, brilliant comic lines. People
even threw money on the stage near the end of his
act!
Alexis and Tweedy (clowning): I have never
been much into clowning, but this show was the exception
against the rule! Their comedy antics (pasting the
wallpaper, pratt falls, lots of gunge etc) were
very funny
Professional Idiot and his big green rubber
ball - He blew this big rubber ball uo, and
then lubricated himself, and eventually jumped inside
it and started bouncing about! Excellent stuff...
Lifeline Aerial Rope Act: Brilliantly acted
piece of aerial work with the concept of birth to
adulthood.
The Bird Project: very catchy tune, and
excellent 3 person passing routines involving tables
and chairs.
Ben Beever: He showed us some numbers juggling
(up to 10 beanbags), and then did a breathtaking
5 glow ball routine.
Breakdancing: Miguel and his friend outdoing
each other's styles of dance, very well choreographed
routine to a bouncing soundtrack.
Alban Elved: Box and harness routine. Less
said the better ;-)
Stars of the show - Vova and Olga
Their first act was club passing, which was
very impressive. They also had the last turn
of the night with their piano playing whilst
juggling routine. Vova played the piano (classical
tune) whilst Olga juggled slowly, and then she
turned the music over and the music became more
upbeat. They then switched roles, and eventually
both played the piano whilst juggling! A well
deserved standing ovation ensued!
