Circa describe themselves as ‘at the forefront of contemporary circus’, favouring physical feats and immediate bodily presence over meaning or narrative. No strangers to the Fringe, this year they bring an updated ‘club remix’ of their 2018 hit. The concept behind Peepshow is a mix of cabaret and circus, so at various points during the show, there is burlesque, hula hoops and juggling. While these are fun and provide some kind of coherence, it’s not exactly a revolutionary approach (although one clever moment did surprise).

The other connective tissue is the ‘club remix’ context. However, despite a live DJ, the clubbier side of things never really comes to life. Due to the precision of their performances, the beautiful and messy symbiosis between music and dancing that characterises a great club is never really achieved. 

It's hard to fault the displays of strength and agility by the troupe, however. Whether they are launching one another into the air, clambering on shoulders to create three-storey totems or yo-yoing up and down ribbons with grace, what they can achieve with their bodies is undeniably impressive. It’s just a pity that the unique and conceptual aspects of this show never take flight in the way the performers do. 

Circa’s Peepshow (Club Remix), Underbelly’s Circus Hub, until 26 August, 6.20pm.