The London debut of Sophie’s Surprise 29th is already taking the big smoke by storm, blending the idea of a nostalgic house party with some mind-bending circus. The show is brought by world-leading performers from the company names we all recognise; La Clique, The 7 Fingers, Cirque de Soleil, and more, so it’s promising going by the calibre of its artists alone.
Sophie’s Surprise 29th had a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and in its London guise is brought by Three Legged Productions and Underbelly for a spring run at Underbelly Boulevard Soho.
This Soho venue is fairly new, having opened at the end of 2023 as the international entertainment company’s first permanent venue. This opening stated a commitment to sharing “the hottest cabaret, variety and music” for audiences in London.
Meanwhile, Three Legged Productions itself is made up of three cast members, looking themselves like an exciting new circus production company which, as most things, always have a certain strength when artist-led.
“…looking themselves like an exciting new circus production company which, as most things, always have a certain strength when artist-led.”
Sophie’s Surprise 29th is a thrill-seeking circus show described as “the hottest party in town”, which fills a house party with circus, comedy and chaos — alongside a pumping soundtrack. It promises hints of 90s nostalgia with Walkmans, scrunchies and halter tops, alongside some Twilight fan fiction. This night celebrates Sophie’s birthday, but who will be Sophie? That changes every night, as an audience member takes the role of Sophie each night. The circus act that each cast member performs, is presented as a birthday gift for Sophie.
The London run brings together performers from the original cast with new faces. Joining the performers and co-producers at Three Legged Productions, Katharine Arnold, Isis Clegg-Vinell and Nathan Price, will be aerialist Cornelius Atkinson, comedian Dru Cripps and hair hanger and fire performer Josie Jones.
© Craig Sugden
Katharine Arnold is an aerialist, choreographer and circus consultant who has worked internationally across live events, cabaret, theatre, film and TV including the likes of La Clique, La Soiree and Cirque Du Soleil. Isis Clegg-Vinell and Nathan Price present a double act of heart-stopping roller skating and have travelled across the globe performing for companies including Cirque du Soleil, The 7 Fingers, Cabaret Zazou, Majestique and La Soiree.
Aerialist Cornelius Atkinson rounds off the spellbinding group Trio Vertex, along with
Aerialist Cornelius Atkinson rounds off the group Trio Vertex, along with Nathan and Isis. This trio are known for the circus discipline of Hand to Trapeze, which combines the death-defying techniques of Doubles Trapeze with the acrobatic spectacle of Hand to Hand. In Sophie’s Surprise 29th, they showcase this, alongside separate acts.
“The London debut of Sophie’s Surprise 29th is already taking the big smoke by storm, taking the idea of a nostalgic house party and blending it with mind-bending circus.”
Dru Cripps is a popular clown on the London cabaret circuit and has a unique comedic style that mixes improv with musical comedy. Josie Jones presents fire artistry — always a showstopping act — and hair hanging, which equally keeps audiences in suspense.
Sophie’s Surprise 29th promises to be a true variety show, presenting a range of circus acts from respected artists. It runs until 28th June with a limited ticket offer for April, with stall seats at just £25.
Sophie’s Surprise 29th is a Three Legged Race Production
Featured Image: Tom Snell
Show Details
Venue: Underbelly Boulevard
Dates: 26th April-28th June
Admission: From £25
Showtimes:
- Various Times
Age Recommendation: 16+
Running Time: 90 mins including interval
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible Venue
- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet
- Audio Enhancement System
