Head First Acrobats – Railed at Edinburgh Fringe
“This show was just utter genius and much the best thing this reviewer
has seen at the Fringe this year. It’s a 5 stars for this show and here’s
hoping they come back soon!.” 
Brighton and Hove News
“”The strength and skills of these gents is astounding.”.” Perth Happenings
“impressive feats of athletic and acrobatic madness.” GlamAdelaide
Think acrobatics and what springs to mind? If it’s nude Western themed circus you’re on the same wavelength as Australian Acrobats! And even if it’s not, we recommend you check out this absolute belter of a show at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
Railed is a spectacular Western themed circus, combining the trademark physical talents, intricate figures, finely chiselled bodies and comic capers of the creators of the smash hits Elixir and Circus’Cision.
Bare-chested circus meets bare-knuckle bar fights. Railed is a racy, heart-stopping adult show of breath-taking acrobatics and mad-cap storytelling, featuring a rogues’ gallery of the most wanted bad-asses this side of Dodge City.
The Head First gunslingers are planning to paint the town red, to head audiences off at the pass, ransack their hearts, ambush their nights and leave them begging for mercy.
Directed by Debra Batton and John Walton, Railed features a variety of talents including all-round acrobat and teeterboard expert, Anthony Saltalmacchia; the powerful yet standoffish vagrant showing off immense feats of balance and impressive physique, Callan Harris; Jordan Twartz, world class ‘manipulator’, who plays the resident barman keeping the boys liquored up and ready for action; and Liam Dummer, who brings technicality and artistry to Head First Acrobats, all whilst playing the Railed town hero.
Details
Venue: Assembly George Square Gardens – Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete EH8 9JU
Time: 18:35
Dates: 3 – 28 August. Previews 3 – 4 August. No show on Mondays 8,15,27 August.
Tickets: Previews 3-4 (£10.50); 5 – 9 ,12 – 14, 19 – 21, 25 – 28 (£17); 10 – 11, 16 – 18, 23 – 25 (£15.50).
Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square, Assembly Checkpoint and Assembly Rooms
PreHysterical
The tale of three Neanderthals – hilarious new family show at Edinburgh Fringe
Head First Acrobats – PreHysterical at Edinburgh Fringe
“PreHysterical appeals to anyone with a funny bone.” FringeFeed
“hilarious and spectacular.” 1/2 GlamAdelaide
“Full of fun, amazing circus tricks.” 1/2 Kids in Adelaide
Circus is for everyone. And as well as entertaining, it can be educational. That is what Head First Acrobats believe, and why they have are bringing PreHysterical to Edinburgh Fringe 2022.
PreHysterical is a hilarious circus show for children and parents of all ages, following three foolish Neanderthals as they struggle to survive the savage natural world. Avoiding predators, navigating harsh environments, and learning to work together are all explored with marvelous circus skills and achingly funny slapstick. The show quite literally rocks as it tells the tale of three people navigating life in prehistoric times.
They may not know how to make fire (or bathe), but these Neanderthals really know how to put on a show that’s hilarious and spectacular in equal measure. Join Thomas, Chelsea and Alex. – three bumbling Neanderthals – as they fumble crossing rivers, finding food and making fire, all whilst executing fantastic circus tricks. The physical humour is perfectly executed – to the great amusement of kids and parents alike, and the ridiculously impressive acrobatics are so slick, you can expeect gasps and wows from the audience.
Aerial stunts and floor acrobatics make for truly incredible circus; this, combined with tongue-in-cheek humour and the silliest of stories means that PreHysterical is for everyone.
Winner of best children’s performance weekly Award at the 2020 Perth Fringe Festival, and the best children’s performance weekly at the Adelaide Fringe in 2020 and 2022.
Details
Venue: Assembly Checkpoint, 3 Bristo Place, EH1 1EY
Time: 11:50 (50 mins)
Dates: 4 – 28 August. Preview 4 August. No show Mondays 10, 15, 22 August.
Tickets: Preview 4th August (£8.50), 5 – 9 ,12 – 14, 19 – 21, 25 – 28 (£13.50); 10 – 11, 16 – 18, 23 – 25 (£11.50)
Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square, Assembly Checkpoint and Assembly Rooms
Artist bio
Head First Acrobats are a multi-award-winning entertainment company. Based in Melbourne, they are regulars on the international touring circuit, and specialise in acrobatic entertainment for festivals, theatres, corporate and street events.
Head First Acrobats have a talent for developing shows that are the talk of the town, filling theatres to the rafters with thrilled audiences.
Their big-hitter is the international sensation, Elixir, which was the smash hit of 2018 and won the Best Circus and Physical Theatre Award at Adelaide Fringe, along with a slew of sold-out shows all over the world.
Their new flagship show, Railed debuted at Perth FRINGE WORLD in 2019, and is a riotous high-energy comedy Western that takes no prisoners, sets the bar on fire, and hightails out of town leaving a trail of broken hearts in its wake.
Links
Website: www.headfirstacrobats.com
Instagram: @headfirstacrobatskids
Facebook: @headfirstacrobatsforkids