Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Wed 1 May
words: Amber Bell
★★★★★
I didn’t quite know what to expect from NoFit State’s Bianco at the Wales Millennium Centre; I’d heard such glowing reviews of the contemporary circus company, but hadn’t experienced any of their work myself. I entered somewhat in the dark (literally, as the set was lit by just a few eerie floodlights as you found your place), so was ready for whatever they had to throw at me.
And I can honestly say I have never seen such a spectacular, awe-inspiring show. Everything about it just oozed excitement and unadulterated thrill. Firstly, the stage itself was a completely new experience for me; a dark spacious room, we stood for the whole show directly amongst the performers, at some points directly below them whilst they swung through the air with their death-defying stunts.
You then had the most delightfully raucous and lively band I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience. Keeping the crowd screaming and cheering the whole time, they added a dramatic bang to the already electric performance. The fantastic musical ensemble was mirrored by the most upbeat, animated cast I have ever seen in a show. Even when they weren’t under the spotlight, they were constantly in character, meaning no matter where you looked something captivating was going on.
The main performances themselves were absolutely mesmerizing – I don’t think my jaw left the ground for the whole two hours. Bianco had the perfect balance of hypnotic hysteria in their group pieces, and sensual, epic solo numbers. Both took me to places I never thought I’d go, seeing things I didn’t think were humanely possible. Everything was so apparently effortless and elegant.
Just when you didn’t think you could be any more shocked, the show took a magnificent twist. Halfway through one of the later acts, a black curtain spanning one side of the room lifted, revealing the auditorium: we’d all been centre stage the whole time. The show ended with us all brought tightly together and showered in snowflakes, a magical end to a sensational evening.