Durham Fringe Festival 2025
INERTIA
Cirko Norda Youth Circus
Genre: Acrobatics, Aerial Theatre, Children's Theatre, Circus, Comedy, Community Theatre, Dance and Movement Theatre, Movement, Performance Art, Variety Show
Venue: Fonteyn Ballroom
Festival: Durham Fringe Festival
Low Down
INERTIA are a fearless talented bunch of young people lighting up the Fonteyn Ballroom Theatre for this year’s Durham Fringe Festival. It’s extraordinary to see the acts that follow in this one hour show – there is something for everyone – from acrobatics, to jugglers, to group physical sequences – all of which have a striking colour scheme that dominates the space with joy in abundance.
“NCA are passionate about the development of the circus sector in the North East of England. We strive to invest in our regional artists, develop emerging young artists and create opportunities for the public to experience the joy of circus.”
This talented group of twelve young people have formed an action packed range of acts for their audience to enjoy, spending weekly training sessions in Newcastle Upon Tyne to create the very best of youth circus, supported by experts in their local region to offer a variety of skills and training. You will not leave disappointed, expect lots of audience participation – the cheering – the gasping – a family show for all to enjoy, don’t miss it.
Review
Walking into the theatre, you know you are in for an hour of unstoppable entertainment…There is something about a high scaffolding dominating the space, you know that someone or something might potentially be climbing up or falling from this – the mind wonders…And that’s the excitement a circus generates.
Kicking off the afternoon’s events was the endearingly witty Host – a comedian in the making for sure, trying to educate the audience on the term ‘Inertia’ and what this means to the Cast. The Host had superb comedic timing and sarcastic one-liners that had the audience in stitches – I particularly enjoyed the moment the Host brought out a diagram to explain the meaning further, this was a great addition and really generated excitement about the title – naturally spirited with impressive delivery – stand-up comedy is definitely calling in this performers future!
What was impressive about the show, was the range of equipment that was elegantly placed and incorporated into the routines and choregraphed sequences – no part of the stage was left unturned – each crash mat, each chair, each prop, each tyre (yes a tyre) – was beautifully placed, as if carefully selected from Mary Poppins’s magical handbag – where did they keep it all? The transitions and commitment of the ensemble is what made this an outstanding piece of youth theatre – exquisitely timed and effortlessly executed.
The ensemble was an incredible force – no one could deny this – as five aerial silk artists formed in a pool of purple light dominating the stage – evoking a moat effect in the centre stage, the ensemble moved the silk fabrics so gracefully to create an image of rippling water. This beautiful spectacle created a wall around the stage, which slowly dispersed as each aerialist took to the rigged tower. A set of tricks proceeded, from climbing to the top of the rigged theatre ceiling – eek – to carefully timed drops – all to a dramatic soundtrack that the audience embraced with gasps and cheers.
This show had bold group sequences, and more intricate circus tricks that really stood out as impressive and carefully timed. The mischievous chair duet was a great addition, what started out as a mimed mirroring piece evolving into something bold, as both performers tried to ‘out do’ the other in complex balances with the chairs in an ‘off-balance’ point – which if anyone was to try this would result in disastrous consequences but the ensemble of Inertia made this look effortless – demonstrating their training, skill and trust for each other.
The design elements of this show were considered and highly affective – this was seen throughout with the striking colour palette of white and red, with supporting props that added to the magic of this show. The balloon Act was a clear highlight of beautiful choreography – of floating balloons – all different shapes and sizes, almost seeming like additional people. The hand balancer performer carefully took to the stage and selected different balloons to clasp in her feet whilst balancing on two wooden platforms with only her hands – wow. Another stunning moment from this exceptional cast.
The audience interaction and ‘will’ for the young people to succeed in their acts was truly a humbling experience – if this group are performing at a festival or theatre near you – you certainly will not be disappointed – their skill, humour and performance etiquette is what sets them apart. A talented group of individuals who are going places – congratulations to all involved.
In the words of Newcastle Circus Arts, “Circus can transform lives, and we exist to share this joy.”
All I would say is, “Mission accomplished – I now want to try walking across oversized bouncy balls and going to see more circus – thank you.”
