Circus, comedy, and reckoning collide in Apple Saucy, a fearless deep dive into self-reflection and redemption. Blending circus, theatre, and slapstick comedy, David Eriksson crafts a show that is as absurdly hysterical as it is thought-provoking. With rapid shifts between laugh-out-loud antics and raw confessions, the audience is kept on edge, never quite sure what’s coming next.

The performance intersperses Eriksson’s admissions of past wrongdoings with light-hearted acts, maintaining a balance that lifts the audience after his sinful revelations. At its core, Apple Saucy explores his attempts to atone for a history of regrets, many stemming from toxic masculinity. He shares candid confessions, acknowledging his past misdeeds—deception, egotism, cruelty for laughs, even criminal acts—challenging his own behaviour with both facetiousness and self-awareness.

Reading from his ‘little book of embarrassment and things I’ve done wrong,’ he invites audiences to reflect on shifting social norms and the treatment of others. Eriksson dissects the theme of toxic masculinity through satire and personal anecdotes, tracing its roots to childhood where societal ideals were ingrained, often in replication of our role models. On a personal level, he shares the lessons inherited from his father on ‘being a man,’ which may have unintentionally perpetuated this damaging cycle—one he now scrutinises with sharp humour and brutal honesty.

Eriksson’s act is a thrilling fusion of slapstick absurdity, carnival-esque circus stunts, and theatrical cabaret, delivering a refreshingly unpredictable experience. His masterful physical coordination pushes the boundaries of contemporary circus, incorporating props like popcorn, a toy cat, toothbrushes, and a handful of balls—many of which he juggles, quite literally, with every part of his body.

A show highlight for me featured unexpected audience participation in some daring two-person acts, including flying ping-pong balls and a precariously balanced soda can. The show’s climax saw an audience member hurling apples at Eriksson’s head and crotch, impaling them on metal spikes—perhaps intended as a symbolic reckoning for past misdeeds, repaid through humour.

Bold, hilarious, and thought-provoking, Apple Saucy is a must-see for those craving something truly original. Eriksson’s public reckoning of his past self isn’t just entertaining—it’s a riotous ride that promises amazement, introspection, and a hefty dose of laughter.