Waldo's Circus of Magic & Terror is a celebration of inclusiveness with scope to be extraordinary.

The Bristol Old Vic feels like the perfect venue for this circus tale set in 1930's Germany, presented by Extraordinary Bodies. This historic building adds to the feel of seeing something beautiful set during the rise of the Nazi Party, who play a strong part in this show. 

The show begins with Waldo thanking us for coming to see their show and introducing the diverse cast of characters. Waldo himself (Gary Robson) is a wheelchair user and the audience subsequently meets Mish and Mosh (Raphaella Julien and Brooklyn Melvin) who are both hearing impaired, Dora (Joanne Haines), Renee (Jonny Leitch) who is both drummer in the band and aerial performer, Darragh (Ryan Murphy), Peter (Tilly Lee-Kronick) and Krista (Abbie Purvis). 

The show takes us through a bizarre love story between Gerhard (Lawrence Swaddle), a naive pharmacist who wants to join the circus, and headstrong Krista. In Act Two, we are shown how the rise of the Nazi party implemented new social norms and how people who didn't fit their agenda were persecuted. We are shown the fear that the performers were under for just being and also the measures taken by real life inspired characters to protect one another and help people out of Germany.

Every show is fully accessible for all audience members. The show is expertly signed by Max Marchewicz who is on stage throughout the show. There are also screens on either side of the stage showing subtitles. Though initially distracting at the beginning of the performance, these screens soon became part of the show. It is however a little jarring when the actors' lines differ from what is displayed on the screens. The screens are used in a very interesting way to subtitle the sign language used between characters on stage.

The circus skills of the performers shine brightly from the stage and is heightened when you take into account their physical disabilities. These sections however seem shoehorned into the story and are not given enough gravitas. Notable performances come from Jonny Leitch and Tilly Lee-Kronick on the high wire, which is very impressive. 

The show is new and feels like it is at the beginning of its journey. With some work on the script and a rethink of the songs, this show could really fly and ensure its powerful ending has the gravity it deserves. 

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Robin Dibben

Waldo’s Circus of Magic and Terror plays at Bristol Old Vic until 1 April, with further information here.