From the moment the cast of 'Railed' come barging into the Spiegeltent straddling hobby horse toys, you know you are going to be in for a wild ride.
The western-themed circus spectacular from the Head First Acrobats team was a breakout hit at last year’s Fringe World, but its combination of a talented cast, gravity-defying stunts and laugh-out-loud moments will ensure this year’s production is another must-see at Fringe.
'Railed' follows a group of four thrill-seeking bandits, who after robbing a bank get involved in a series of outrageous hijinks. There’s the outrageous stunts that you can come to expect from a show by Head First Acrobats and then there’s the hilarious slapstick moments that feel like they’ve come straight out of a comedy western like 'Shanghai Noon'.
Acclaimed acrobat, Cal Harris who plays the charismatic ringleader of the group, saddles up for most of the more challenging stunts, which involve him climbing and balancing everything from ladders to five wooden chairs at a time.
Harley Timmermans, who plays the brawn of the group, wows the crowd with his impressive acrobatics especially with one major showstopping moment. While Anthony Saltalamachia as the town’s drunk sheriff and WA’s very own Adam O’Connor-McMahon as the resident barman who keeps the boys liquored up and ready for action, both earn plenty of laughs from the crowd for their many comedic moments.
The standout comedic moment which will be etched in audiences' minds for more than one reason comes late into the show. Two of the 'Railed' boys swap their cowboy hats for a unicorn and horse mask, and what follows is a bizarre number that will have to be seen to be believed.
'Railed' is one wild ride, which gets increasingly more outrageous, hilarious and enjoyable as the show progresses. While the show might be a little out there for some audiences, if you are someone who is not afraid to venture to the wild side then saddle up and enjoy the ride because this show is no one-trick pony and there is plenty to love about 'Railed'.
