The post-apocalyptic circus is in town, thanks to Geoff Sobelle’s Clown Show. As society collapses and with no acrobats in sight, a troupe of clowns have taken over a sumptuously lit big top, adorned in a variety of ever changing novelties: vibrant costumes with skates, star spangled banners and crisp white suits adorned with sequin stars. With a stunning visual backdrop, they perform alluring, atmospheric and moving musical numbers whilst impressing spectators with a multitude of abilities. Each using their own brand of clownish skill, the performers sling bananas and showcase all manner of tomfoolery to the shrieks of 'popcorn!' and mounting laughter.

Then, with a crash bang and some cleverly designed magic, the show literally deconstructs in front of our faces. Full of metaphor, the earth, the statue of liberty and the American flag disintegrate as the fabric of society is shredded. Sadly, amidst all of its wonder there’s a fatal flaw. Jokes which should last one minute are dragged out for five and the audience is left resenting the one hour 40 minute run time (which turned into two) by the end. It still feels unreal, meaningful and timely, so with a tighter grasp on the gags and a real look at pacing, Clown Show could become a theatrical masterpiece.

Reviewed at King’s Theatre; picture: Jess Shurte.