Indoor relief was needed from the storm and gales that hit Edinburgh and where better to shelter than the Gordon Aikman Theatre, a purpose built theatre built in 1970 which seats 500. Although not quite sold out in this performance, with positive word of mouth ‘The Box Show’ could easily meet its capacity as the Fringe proceeds.

The four performers, dressed in colourful costumes, give off a vibrant energy straight from the beginning. The stage was set with a variety of multi-coloured, different sized boxes and then, using the boxes together with everyday items such as wheelie bins, kitchen utensils, plastic bottles and carrier bags, we were given a captivating percussion performance which kept the audience of all ages engrossed throughout.

The cast used clever and flowing changes of style as they skilfully moved from one competent concept to the next also using movement and comedy. It’s a show full of variety with different ideas coming thick and fast. The audience were encouraged to join in with a short clapping rhythm and a member of the audience is also invited on stage to join the cast and add to the fun.

It was very enjoyable to appreciate the musicality amongst the performers. Their passion shone and nobody was overshadowed. They worked incredibly tight as an ensemble showing clear rhythmic beats and moving around the stage with animated gestures using a unique language of fun words and expressions that appealed especially to the younger audience.

They also managed to introduce a recycling machine to the stage that showed how we can use items we might otherwise dispose of by using our imagination and breathe new life into forgotten junk.

This was a high-energy, captivating show and, having just returned from a major tour in China, ‘Junkyard Beats’ have stormed their way to a great start here in Edinburgh. A must see.

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