They’ve thrilled the world, appearing to over half a million spectators from the Royal Variety Performance to Montecarlo’s Circus Festival, The Black Blues Brothers make an exciting return to Edinburgh this Festival Fringe.
Their mission? To entertain.
Fusing together the Vigor of Africa with a rhythm ‘n’ blues sound, these five acrobats are unleashed to perform their comedic tribute to the John Landis cult film, The Blues Brothers. In an elegant nightclub, reminiscent of the Cotton Club, not even the tables are safe from becoming props and leaping points for an acrobatic celebration to the pulse of music. From breathtaking leaps, fire and somersaults to human pyramids and so much more, The Black Blues Brothers is a movement and aerial theatre show not to be missed.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
It’s an acrobatic show inspired by the cult movie The Blues Brothers. This show is an adrenaline-pumping ride with breathtaking jumps, fire and somersault routines, human pyramids and much much more. And with the best soundtrack possible: rhythm’n’blues!
Tell us about the creative team and process involved?
The team come from Kenya – we studied at the most important circus school in Africa called Sarakasi. We used to perform “traditional” acrobatic shows and then we met Alexander Sunny, a Circus Story Professor and the creator of the theatre-circus show. Together, we developed the idea to renew the classic repertoire, giving it a different soul. Blues music is very appropriate because it is the music of Afro-descendants so it’s like our roots.
How does it feel to be returning to the Fringe?
It’s like having been in Paradise and now we have the chance to return! The Edinburgh Fringe is the best festival in the world, and this is our third time there. We are proud and excited. Last year’s audiences loved the show and we want to make thousands more people dance!
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
Where else can you find the Blues Brothers doing acrobatics? Have you ever seen five men in those iconic suits doing balancing acts and stuff like this? It will be a unique experience full of pure joy!
Is there anything specific you’re hoping for the audience to take away?
We love doing acrobatics and we would like people to leave the theatre with the same smiles we have during the performance.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
We have performed in front of more than 500,000 spectators, including Pope Francis and the Princes of Monaco. When we performed at the Royal Variety Performance, the evening was introduced by King Charles III who praised the very talented artists involved. So, it’s fair to say we’ve had some amazing audiences already. But when we’re on stage we give our best and perform to every single person – children, the elderly, young students or academics. It doesn’t matter: if you love being amazed, this show is for you. Who shouldn’t be there? Everybody is welcome! In the full spirit of the circus, art is about including people.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you’re intending on seeing or want to recommend?
Relax and Fringe are two opposing words! But, it’s very important to try to have moments for yourself during such a long, long month. When we are not rehearsing or performing, we try to enjoy the city (Edinburgh is great, and the surroundings are fantastic), or we listen to music. Sometimes we just go and enjoy a hamburger! We always try to see as many shows as we can, because it’s a great opportunity. This year we would like to see Duel Reality by 7 Fingers, IMA by Recirquel and 360 Allstars. But we also let ourselves be surprised to discover new shows that we don’t know. That’s the beauty of Fringe!
In your ideal world, how can we improve the world of the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
What a question! It’s very difficult to say. With so many shows around the city, audiences risk missing interesting things, so the Fringe Society and venues need to continue improving their communications, website and app, in order to make finding the shows as easy as possible.
Arts industry members could be helped by organising meetings to discuss specific areas, such as how to tour a show, how to contact foreign producers, what you have to know to travel around the world, etc.
The Black Blues Brothers runs at venue 20, The Assembly Rooms – Music Hall (54 George Street, EH2 2LR), from August 3rd – 27th.
Performances start at 15.05pm, and run for sixty minutes. Tickets: £18.50 (Con. available)
Photo Credit – Roberto Ricciuti &