- Rating:
- 4
Reviewed by: Kath
Summary:
There are certainly exciting times to comes when you spot the increasingly familiar site of a large purple cow on its back, tucked away in a cosmopolitan area like it’s actually a normal thing to see. Yes, that’s right, it’s the Udderbelly festival! This time hitting London’s Southbank from the 12th April – 14th July 2013 with a jam-packed itinerary to accompany!
The Udderbelly is an entertainment company which contributes to the festival season. You’ll likely find some great acts to see, from circus acrobats to popular comedians, there really is something for everyone (over the age of 12). Together with the charming outdoor setting (see below), you can relax with a Pimms in mock-grass settings before heading into the temporary auditorium to enjoy a show or 2. This really is a great place to spend some time and money!
The London Wonderground at the Southbank Centre is produced by Underbelly, the same people who bring you the Udderbelly, and runs from the 10th May – 29th September. Still in its infancy, the festival received a staggering 800,000 visitors in its inaugural year. With hopes for the future, this isn’t one to miss this summer. Located next to the River Thames and the London Eye you can’t really ask for much better settings.
We chose to see Circus Maximus which is a circus show with 5 acts. The winners from each round go on to the next ‘heat’ until there’s an ultimate winner. We saw 5 performers from Heat 2, including tricks on aerial hoops, ropes, contortion, gymnastics, hula-hooping and humor.
Although all the acts were very good, we liked Lucky Franco’s ‘Bendy Girl’ which was a contortion show with humor. We voted for her and I believe she ultimately won the second heat.
Outside the festival feeling continues with deck chairs, colourful lanterns and places to buy food and drink. Oh, and a carpet of green faux-grass that will tease you with memories of summer in weather like this!
It was great to the see the area packed full of people, especially as it was actually raining when this picture was taken!
I liked the mystical settings when you enter. Walking along wooden planks you’ll be surrounded by colourful lanterns, fairy lights and a small magical garden to your left with a pond to match.
Once outside the show you’ll likely see a selection of these fine purple fellows about. Great photo opportunity should you wish to pose next to a grazing cow!
Overall the Udderbelly festival was a very enjoyable experience made better by the lack of screaming children. We’ve bought tickets for a couple more shows over the next couple of months, but it’s likely we’ll also be visiting the Udderbelly when we get to the Edinburgh Fringe in the summer. Although a little bit too expensive, it still makes for a great night out!