FRINGE REVIEW: Let Railed take you for a ride this Fringe season
There’s a new sheriff in town.
And by sheriff, I mean one heck of a Fringe show — more specifically, one put on by Melbourne’s ever-loved Head First Acrobats.
Since mesmerizing audiences around the world their hit show Elixir, the boys have returned to Perth’s Fringe World Festival this 2019 season with new tricks as well as additions to their team. Railed is their latest offering, filled with drink-spitting innuendos and cheeky tales from the wild west.
True to the show’s Western theme, the boys came dressed head to toe in sexed up cowboy gear and ready to deliver their brazen new spin on comedy. While waiting, I had to ask myself what to expect or better yet, what I hoped to see again this year. Yet perhaps the most pertinent question of all would be: if I couldn’t take a man seriously in assless chaps, why start now?
Incorporating their trademark doses of slapstick, the four began jostling around with their shiny cowboy boots, dollar bills and pistols in hand. However, it is a known fact that what separates this rowdy bunch from any other would be their otherworldly, nimble talents.
Living up to their reputation as king acrobats, the four kept the show going with everything from crazy flips and headstands to equine innuendos packed into the saloon-style venue. For a taste, you might find a unicorn, the theme song to Bojack Horseman or Martin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing’ making an appearance, and for good reason, too.
Apart from cracking up completely, the audience were intent on keeping their gaze on each member as they delivered their stunts with both gusto and skill. Perhaps one of the more refreshing realisations was that even after engaging in silly and risqué banter with the crowd, the crew could proceed to have hearts racing with their unbelievable acro-balance stunts. In fact, those who caught the insane ladder tracks and the Cyr wheel in action last year will see its re-emergence in Railed.
Again, hats off to Head First Acrobats for providing a trail of laughs and moments of questioned sexuality. This show is a must-see for all — as long as you’re over 18, of course!
