The Fringe’s acrobatic powerhouses The Black Blues Brothers roar back into Edinburgh with their signature blend of rock’n’roll energy, jaw‑dropping stunts and irresistible showmanship. Fresh from global stages and armed with iconic tunes and high‑flying spectacle, they return to McEwan Hall ready to thrill all ages once again.
Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Let’s Twist Again! is an acrobatic show. We are a group of five Kenyan performers and we present a vast repertoire of somersaults, human pyramids, rope tricks, and chair stunts.
The show is set in a smoky train station, where to while away the time, we listen to twist music and rock ‘n’ roll from a jukebox. To the tunes of songs from the golden age of American music… we let loose!
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
It’s an Italian production: our company is called Mosaico Errante, and we’ve been working together for years. The director and producer, Alexander Sunny, is one of leading circus experts. He conceived our shows as a pop melting pot between African acrobatic tradition and the cult imagery of the Blues Brothers. In this second show, we begin by donning Humphrey Bogart-style trench coats and performing our acrobatic acts to the music of Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Chubby Checker, Glenn Miller, and Keith Emer.
It’s therefore an original show, with a very distinctive style.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
We’re thrilled! The Fringe is a celebration. This is our sixth time. Since last year, we’ve been performing at Underbelly’s McEwan Hall, one of the festival’s most beautiful venues. The audience has always welcomed us with enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to dive back in. It’s an honor and a pleasure.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
There are so many shows at the Fringe, including many truly top-notch acrobatic performances. What sets us apart, even from other African acrobatic shows, is that on stage, our tradition blends with pop music, and the show has a “musical comedy” feel. It’s not a “thoughtful” show; it’s a celebration we share with the audience. Our greatest pride is that our audience leaves the theater with a huge smile!
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
We come from Sarakasi, the most important circus school in Africa, which among other things helps young people from difficult situations emancipate themselves through art. This is certainly where the joy we express on stage comes from, a contagious joy. The audience dances during our show!
On this basis, the direction of Alexander Sunnny, who has worked with the greatest talents in traditional and contemporary circus for decades, has constructed a performance capable of combining physical virtuosity, storytelling, and the authenticity of popular entertainment.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
An hour of pure fun. We want to leave them speechless and filled with positive vibes.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
We believe it’s a show for everyone. Children, seniors, couples, families. We’ve even performed for Pope Francis and the British Royal Family!
Anyone who loves acrobatics and its ability to push boundaries will love our show.
Honestly, there’s no one we wouldn’t want: ours is a show that speaks a universal language, that of wonder.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Relaxing at the Fringe? Does it really exist?
Seriously, yes, it’s important not to get overwhelmed by “Fringe anxiety,” so we always try to carve out some time for ourselves during the day. At the same time, we also try to see as many shows as possible, so it’s about finding a balance: it’s okay to stay up late one night to see a performance we’re interested in, but to go to bed early the next!
Luckily, we know how to cook, and that’s also a way to unplug for a moment and dedicate time to ourselves.
We’ll definitely be back to see Wolf by Circa. Their shows are always phenomenal. This year, we’re curious about Afronauts, so we’re already figuring out when we’ll be able to go see it.
Black Blues Brothers: Let’s Twist Again! runs at Venue 302: McEwan Hall at Underbelly, Bristo Square
Runs: August 5th – August 31st at 17:00pm
Photo credit: Ryan Warburton
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’