Starring: Nic Davies
Producer: Black Sheep Circus Entertainment
Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa
23 February 2025
It is a sweltering day in the Surrealist Garden at the Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa. Complimentary water is handed out and sunblock is on hand. Most children are settled on the turf at the front while parents are holding their shy ones. A fun and colourful series of flats painted like cartoon-esque trees provides a perfect set for this venue.
Freelance circus performer Nic Davies is Doug, a tradie who just wants to sit down and enjoy a sandwich. Unfortunately, Doug’s boss is constantly on the phone asking for various tasks to be completed.
Davies begins juggling the jobs with the help of the juvenile audience. A quirky soundtrack including pre-recorded phone conversations with the boss and a simplistic script are key in gaining the buy-in of these little theatregoers. The sentence construction is uncomplicated, and Davies’ diction is splendid. A well-paced storyline is keeping the attention of Doug’s vocal helpers. Cries of ‘It’s over there, Doug,’ and ‘No, Doug…turn around,’ is constant as every child encourages Doug to complete the tasks at hand.
Davies is an extraordinary and agile performer who shows off circus, acrobatic and balancing skills. Affable and convivial, Davies is immediately best friends with everyone. He engages beautifully with the children asking questions and listening to answers. The mutual respect is obvious. Davies is a big kid at heart, and his effortless tricks wow all the youngsters.
At 45 minutes duration, Rock Bottom is long enough to hold the attention of little ones, and for parents and caregivers to see value for money. This audience is captivated from start to finish. Rock Bottom is a show that completely exasperates and enthrals children to the utter delight of their parents.
First published in Theatreview on 23 February 2025.
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