Darryl J Carrington: Out Of The Box kids review – Silly gold
A clowning experience that prioritises silliness and joy
It takes a special talent to spin gold out of silliness, but that’s what Darryl J Carrington does for the duration of this show. If you had to categorise it, Out Of The Box would loosely fall under the heading of clown, with a heavy focus on juggling (Carrington trained at Bristol’s Circomedia circus school). But really, the show’s best quality is its wacky originality and the way Carrington manages to choreograph audience members into all kinds of sticky situations, having them come away not only with their dignity intact but in some cases having learned a new skill.
Much of the audience participation falls on the grown-ups. It’s sensitively judged and allows Carrington to push the skits further than would be possible with kids. He orchestrates an absurd cup of tea, involving two parents with a teapot and spoon Velcro-ed to their heads, teaches two dads to juggle yoga balls, and delivers a canine-themed version of Rocky with one of those toy dogs that moves when you clap. The cultural references are pitched at the adults but you don’t need to get them to appreciate the joy and daftness of this show. An hour of pure, generous fun.
Darryl J Carrington: Out Of The Box, Underbelly George Square, until 31 August, 1.20pm; picture: Andre Pattenden.