The late-evening Fringe slot is usually the territory of stand-up comedy or sultry cabaret, which is what makes this brash and chaotic circus so original. The vibe is a 90s house party, complete with Monster Munch, WKD Blue, knock-off Burberry tracksuits and Nirvana (though there is an anachronistic reference to Twilight in there too). For acrobats who are so clearly top level, it’s joyous to see them having so much fun with the theme. But on a second viewing, what also strikes you is the shifts in gear between silliness and artistry. Yes, it is a ridiculous show, but Cornelius Atkinson’s aerial strap dance is balletic and majestic. That he then has the humility to hop off the straps and go straight into goth-clown mode speaks to the ethos of the show placing entertainment above egos. Similarly, Katharine Arnold is utterly dazzling as an aerial hoop artist, but happy to spend much of the evening trussed up in a wig and goofy teeth, balancing clowning and acrobatics. 

Not all of the comedy comes off. Nathan Redwood Price’s speech on feminism feels like a double bluff in its sending up of boorishness, and Arnold’s quip about the male gaze seems designed to let her off the hook for unveiling a costume that plays on sexy female tropes. Sam Goodburn’s unicycle reverse striptease on the other hand does feel genuinely fresh; we whoop with each layer of clothing he puts back on. 

Sophie’s Surprise 29th, Underbelly Circus Hub, until 24 August, 9.45pm; main picture: Lesley Martin.