REVIEW: Newbie - Breathtaking Experience

©️Revolution Circus, photo by T Wu

Stripping away layers of logic, this poetic circus piece Newbie dives deep into our desires, instincts, and what it means to simply be.

Transforming Dynamic Earth into a circus stage was a delightful surprise, and the giant globe within the venue undoubtedly added an extra dimension to the piece. Each member of the ensemble had their own spotlight moment: diabolo, pole, contortion, red silks, hat juggling, hoop work, acrobatics, and more.

My personal highlight was the dance on the red silks: ethereal, almost like celestial beings descending from the heavens! The sudden drops from high above were breathtakingly beautiful. Throughout the show, the audience responded with gasps and applause, making it an exhilarating and magical evening.

Although the LED screens surrounding the stage provided an immersive environment, the lighting design itself felt somewhat monotonous. And while the performance was undoubtedly poetic, the supposed thematic thread of exploring desire and instinct did not always come across clearly. At times, the choice to fade out during moments of musical climax felt abrupt.

Overall, Newbie was a surprising and memorable performance. Each artist delivered at their very best, making it a strong and inspiring work of contemporary circus.

★★★★

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/newbie

Credits

Producer: Xun Chang, Kefeng Su
Assistant Producer: Ling Lin
Director: Guangyuan Liu
Assistant Director: Cameron Ablimit
Choreographer: Kai Tian
Set & Light Designer: Huazheng Qi
Cast: Gao Yang, Bao Dongwei, Li Sha, Hou Xing, Li Jingyu, Chen Jinyu

About Revolution Circus

Founded by a visionary team of directors and artists from across the globe, Revolution Circus unites internationally renowned performers with the rich traditions of Chinese acrobatics. Their works are physical, poetic, and powerfully visual — always accessible, always family-friendly, and always filled with heart.

Dedicated to creating high-quality new circus for audiences of all ages, the company crafts spectacular stories through dance, theatre, movement, and daring skill. In 2025, they arrive in Edinburgh with three unique offerings that span performance, entertainment, and interactive learning.

Presented by: YIXI (Beijing) Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd.

YIXI (Beijing) Cultural Exchange Co.,Ltd is an international cultural producer based in China, the UK, and New Zealand. Specializing in co-producing and promoting innovative works in contemporary circus, physical theatre, children’s theatre, and drama, YIXI is committed to bridging Eastern and Western performing arts.

With a focus on family-friendly and visually rich storytelling, YIXI collaborates with artists and festivals worldwide to develop high-quality productions that transcend language and cultural barriers — fostering meaningful exchange between China and the world.