Created by Compagnia Baccalà in association with Underbelly
Review by Eve Nugent
Underbelly Goerge Square – Underbelly: Tickets
Labelled as a ‘wordless’ performance, Compagnia Baccalà’s ‘Oh Oh’ might initially appear daunting, especially to a Gen Z scroller in the audience who exclusively looks for instant gratification. Equally challenging, this new show aims to fill the shoes of ‘PSS PSS’, the company’s triumphant success at last year’s Fringe. However, such an expectation immediately dissipates when the Swiss clown duo, Camilla Pessi and Simone Fassari, enter the stage. Through the use of lively guitar music and an ominous ladder descending from the ceiling, the audience is immediately hooked.
The loose narrative follows the viscerally awkward and fickle rapport between this clowning pair, who turbulently toy with the audience’s empathy. Combining elements of slapstick and physical theatre, they manage to accentuate the power of non-verbal communication; an audience member of any age could understand their dynamic. After developing distinct characters, Pessi and Fassari exhibit their impressive acrobatic skills, executed to near perfection. This eclectic and textured style pays tribute to more traditional clowning, with clear influences from Chaplin and other important figures.
Despite the general sense of amusement amongst the varied audience, the performance was arguably rendered more enjoyable for the adult portion by the echo of giggling children, by virtue of sharing their joy. Nevertheless, ‘Oh Oh’ is overall a compelling piece of clowning comedy which skilfully evokes delight; the show’s cyclical ending highlights the characters’ journey, tying everything in a neat bow to leave the audience satisfied.
Evokes Delight
Oh Oh runs at the Underbelly, George Square – Underbelly, Edinburgh, until August 25th on select dates.
Running time – One hour and five minutes without an interval
Photo credit – Elisa Cere and Djamila Agustoni
Review by Even Nugent (contact@corrblimey.uk)
An undergraduate French student at the University of Edinburgh, Eve has a diverse interest in theatre and performance. Eve’s theatrical focus has recently broadened into writing and directing, for instance with her modern Othello adaptation for the University’s Shakespeare Company. Her creative attention stretches also to classical music, as she plays the flute, piano and guitar with equal fervour. She thus looks forward to watching whatever the Fringe has to offer, irrespective of genre!
