With a signature style that blends world-class acrobatics, physical theatre, and irreverent humour, Head First Acrobats create shows that are bold, playful, and unforgettable. Their performances appeal to a broad audience — from circus aficionados to first-time theatregoers — thanks to their mix of jaw-dropping skill, cheeky characters, and crowd-pleasing charm.
Review by Richard Lambert
Head First Acrobats have brought The Godz back to the Peacock, and thank the gods for that. The venue itself seems to have pulled off its own resurrection act, rising phoenix-like from the ashes and returning to its rightful place as a West End home for touring productions, rather than serving as permanent accommodation for the same show until the end of time.
What makes this troupe so special isn’t just their ridiculous level of skill—they’re so good they make the impossible look annoyingly easy. Their handstands, lifts, throws and balancing acts are second nature, leaving them free to pile on the comedy, storytelling, and enough cheeky cocky winks to power central London. And yes, occasionally an actual cheek and almost an actual cock.
Speaking of cheeks, these boys are outrageously cheeky. The banter is half the show. Watching them try to throw each other off balance, stitch each other up, and publicly humiliate their mates for our entertainment is like being invited into the world’s most talented group chat. The entire audience spends the evening grinning like idiots.
The acrobatics are all there: hand balancing, juggling, aerial straps, trapeze, ladder climbing, chair stacking and enough displays of strength to make your gym membership feel deeply inadequate. Then there’s one of my favourite moments: a performer suspending another by gripping a fake pair of testicles, flailing around on the end of a rope. Well you would wouldn’t you! Naturally, this is all observed by a group of nuns. As theatrical sentences go, that’s not one I expected to write today. You couldn’t make this up – but thankfully they did!
It’s gloriously silly, brilliantly executed and genuinely jaw-dropping. The Godz combines world-class circus skills with the energy of a bunch of talented mates daring each other to do increasingly ridiculous things.
Go and see it. Your face will hurt from smiling, your hands will hurt from clapping, and you’ll leave wondering whether you’ve just watched elite circus, Greek mythology, or the world’s most athletic stag do.
Performers
Mat Piva – Hermes
Thomas Gorham – Apollo
Callan Harris – Hercules
AJ Saltalamacchia – Dionysus
Liam Dummer – Cupid
Produced and directed by Head First Acrobats
Costumes Chelsea Angell, Bryn Meredith
Head First Acrobats
Return of The GODZ
Peacock Theatre, WC2
Wednesday 10 – Saturday 20 June
Tickets: From £18
Ticket Office: 020 7863 8000 or www.sadlerswells.com