The title may seem outlandish, but it’s actually pretty Ronseal: there is fire-eating and waving, a string ensemble and an acrobatic troupe who all happen to be the same people. It is remarkable, our firebird falls and (spoiler) rises, they play, they lift, they do aerials, they fly and all keep perfect time and tempo on said strings, whether or not they are the right way up (even while playing the harp), on somebody else’s shoulders or eating fire at the time. At its best this is mesmerising, with committed and charismatic performances sustaining younger interest in the wordless action. Bits of this will arise phoenix like in your memory far longer anything else you see this Fringe.

Assembly Roxy, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Bruce Blacklaw]