SPYHARD is billed as a high-octane homage to the 90’s and early 2000s action comedy spy thrillers. This two person show, brought to us by Circus Sorbet, did not disappoint. Antonio Tranderas (Tran) and Faytasha Romanov (MacFarlane) were captivating to watch as they took us on a Mission Impossible meets James Bond thriller over the course of the 50 minute show.

I’m always a bit wary when I see ‘comedy circus’ as how funny can aerials and acro really be? Funny! Not slapstick funny; it was funny funny! The show was filled with a little bit of everything, from aerial pole to the tango, straps and ropes to hip-hop and kung fu fighting, gun fights, betrayal and, no 90s action thriller would be complete without, the not so hidden love story. It was a feel-good show for all the family.

Whether you are new to Fringe, or you’ve been coming for years, this is a show to catch. For those new to the festival this is a great introduction to what circus can offer and to those who have been coming for years, the story line that weaves through and showcases the tremendous skill of performers Tran and MacFarlane offers something a little bit different to many of the shows at this year’s Fringe.

We are normally discouraged from reviewing on opening nights but my goodness I am so glad I saw it on opening night. The joy that came from Tran and MacFarlane at their curtain call was infectious. As they celebrate 10 years since meeting at Fringe in 2015 they have birthed their new baby in SPYHARD (although I think actual labour and birth may have been easier than what they do in the show), like any proud parents showing off their baby it was emotional and their pride is well placed. It was a great show!