Don’t Drop Me | The Circus Yard Big Puck | Brighton Fringe

If there was ever a show that celebrates relationships, authenticity, and comedic insights into trust, then Don’t Drop Me is the show to see before the Fringe finishes. A group of friends explores the possibilities of trust and supporting each other, no matter what they do or what happens next.

Using the exploration of physical comedy, interesting aerial and balancing acts, as well as sharing personal stories about how much they doubt their abilities sometimes, this show became one that felt like a gradual journey into self-acceptance. There have been many shows this season that have explored this very theme, given today’s troubling times, but it was nice to see something that tapped into the human psyche in a way that was extremely relatable. The fear of failure, yet the journey to get to success is not on your own. Just part of a team. It was simple, but extremely wholesome to watch as the three women grew together in their abilities to become the best versions of themselves.

It was a shame in many respects that the spoken sections were not amplified enough. Whilst they did project the voice more as the show went along, it would have been great to get to hear them more from the start. At the time of review, I also found out that this was the first time they had been able to do the full show in the space and only had extremely short rehearsals before kick-off due to a lack of venue availability. In the light of this, I honestly think the company did a brilliant job in such a short amount of time and am sure that Don’t Drop Me will be even better as the run progresses.

Each individual was so interesting to watch as every story was shared and each aerial act was carried out. It was clear from the way they bantered and supported each other verbally and physically that a lot of trust was had in each other. As one performer mentioned, it is amazing how much circus performers rely on the body to carry out the work, such as hands to carry whoever is being lifted onto a trapeze for instance. She shared how she was out of action due to a hand breakage for several weeks and realised how much she relied on those hands to not only physically carry someone, but mentally carry a load too. Hearing little insights like this between acts made the show more intimate and also made you think about how much we take things for granted in order to work, live and play.

Don’t Drop Me is a unique and entertaining insight into the human mind and how we grow as individuals. This is sure to continue to be a success further down the line, so please make sure you get to see them in action before they leave.

Sascha Cooper

In this smorgasbord of comedy, circus and theatre, can these 3 women learn to trust in themselves and each other?

In an explosion of swinging trapeze, duo aerial circus and acrobatics, this trio mixes playful silliness and candid storytelling. We join them as they tie themselves in knots navigating their relationships and challenging their self-doubts.

Expect near misses, headbanging interludes and daring stunts in this celebration of teamwork and empowerment.