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You know what’s wrong with kids today? They’re a bit too good. And we’re getting jealous. With remarkably good moves and sharp wit, these kids switched from a bank robbery to the inside of a spaceship with frankly astonishing discipline. Seriously, there’re a good few improv and sketch groups three times the age of this gang that could learn a few lessons from these youngsters. Throw in a couple of genuinely beautiful short films – at least one shot in Brighton – and you had something rather special. Encourage them to show off, because it really is true: the kids are alright.                                               
The Old Courtroom, 8 May        
4/5
Andrew Allen

Five proud women on stage told us what it is to be a woman in a ruthlessly male world. And sure enough, someone had invoked the name of Venus within the first thirty seconds. However, it was all a lot sharper and cleverer than that. Like any good courtesan, this worked better when they were getting physical: either bickering with each other, or providing the backgrounds to each other’s stories. In fact, this last was vital, since a good portion of the dialogue was exposition. Otherwise, you’d have been well advised to spend an hour in an upstairs room with these ladies.                                                                                                    
The Marlborough Theatre, 8 May
4/5
Andrew Allen

Over the last decade, circus has had to transform itself from tame, half-hearted and rather pointless entertainment for young kids into a modern, professional spectacle. In fact, a revolution was what was required, and so it is fitting that the Moscow State Circus has been in the vanguard. This year’s show, entitled Legenda, with its theme based on Russian Folklore and its best known figure Rasputin, brings with it a huge cast of acrobats, clowns and contortionists who combine the old style classical, gravity defying circus with more contemporary styles of special effects and illusion. An unmissable Festival experience.
Big Top, Preston Park, 6 May (until 16 May)
Paulo Clark
5/5

This whimsical clown show is woven around the slightest thread. The light in the moon has gone out. It’s a simple as that, and that simplicity is the heart of this charming show. Wolfe Bowart is utterly compelling. His finely tuned blend of pure clown and physical theatre is almost seamless and on the surface this elegy to the moon works well. The man can juggle and perform tricks with reasonable skill, not brilliance but enough to be convincing. And perhaps that is why I left having enjoyed the performance but wanting for more. The performance, whilst good on almost every level, simply lacked any wow-factor. Not that I craved wizardry, but I was throughout waiting for him to lift me to the next level. Only in the second half did he come close with a charming scene in which he plays with a projected image of himself. As charming as this show is, and beautiful, it never goes that extra mile to become great.
Theatre Royal, 6 May (until 8 May)
3/5
Andrew Kay