The Gandini Juggling Project step a thin line between juggling and contemporary dance, and their recent work has tended to be cerebral to the point of being difficult to watch. However, from the moment that Septet starts, it is obvious that this is a somewhat different affair. The usual innovative and mesmeric group patterns are there, along with the by now customary irritating soundtrack, but there is something new, which has not been in the last couple of Gandini shows – humour. Throughout the show, quirky little moments break the tension, allowing the audience to relax and properly enjoy what's happening on stage.
The choreography by Gill Clarke for the most part accentuates the flowing movement involved in the juggling and manages to use the different levels of the stage set to good effect. In places, however, the movement is too chaotic and makes the action very confusing to watch.
This is, perhaps, the most 'juggling orientated' show the Gandinis have done for some time, and takes the art of group juggling to new heights. The performers all display an immense level of talent, and even in the most complex patterns manage to give a confident and assured performance. It looks as though they are all very relaxed – cheesy grins all round at various points in the show are another marked departure from previous work.
The use of video projections is innovative, but rarely integrated with the live action (although, when it worked, it worked extremely well and brought with it a darker and almost funereal mood). This is the most accessible and enjoyable work yet from the GJP, and shows that they continue to be one of the most innovative groups in circus today.