ADL Fringe 26: Lash Out

Lash Out is a high-octane circus cabaret that swaps subtlety for spectacle and backs it up with serious skill. Performed by the women of Head First Acrobats, the show blends burlesque attitude with jaw-dropping circus technique in a way that feels bold, playful, and completely self-assured.

I happened to catch it on International Women’s Day, which honestly felt perfect. There’s something pretty satisfying about watching a lineup of incredibly strong, fearless performers set things on fire, hang upside down from silks, and generally defy physics while radiating absolute confidence.

The acts move quickly from one discipline to the next - hoops, aerials, fire, sword swallowing, and plenty of cheeky cabaret energy in between. There isn’t really a strong narrative thread tying everything together, but it hardly matters when the level of talent on stage is this high. Each performer brings their own personality and flair, making the show feel less like a single story and more like a vibrant showcase of powerhouse performers.

A special shout-out has to go to Sian, the fire-breathing, sword-swallowing MC who absolutely stole the show for me. Confident, charismatic, and a little bit terrifying (in the best possible way), she commanded the room from the moment she stepped on stage. Her fire act in particular had the audience leaning forward in that mix of awe and mild concern that usually accompanies someone casually putting flames in their mouth.

Another nice surprise is the venue. While it’s slightly removed from the main Fringe hubs of Gluttony and the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Fool’s Paradise in Victoria Square has plenty going on - food, drinks, and other shows - so it’s well worth the wander.

Unfortunately Lash Out has wrapped up its run for this year, but it’s absolutely one to watch for if it returns. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the artists’ other shows - they’re clearly performers worth following.