Review: YOAH, Fringe 2026

All the way from Japan, YOAH is a mesmerising display of circus variety that will thoroughly entertain! 

In my experience, the Circus Hub, has quality shows, and YOAH fits right in with this general rule. This is a great circus! 

There was a very good turnout for a Thursday evening. One of the first acts was a trapeze artist that executed masterful movements, making the crowd gasp and stare in awe while spinning with grace. It was breathtaking. 

Dazzling Lights

Diabolos (juggling/spinner props that are shaped like an hourglass) are used in multiple acts. The fact these ones light up is a great visual addition, and honestly it’s the best use of diabolos I’ve ever seen in a circus. 

There is a standout act with one performer using them. In this act the movements and flow of the diabolo is immaculately synchronised to the light show being projected onto a large sheet behind him. The backdrop was very different for a circus but it blended with traditional circus with the use of the illuminated diabolos. It had the audience (me included) transfixed.

This magnificent display of lighting and diabolos really justifies getting in the queue early so you can bag a seat in the middle section! 

Great Circus Variety

The contortionist act in this show is very impressive. I overheard another audience member asking, ‘how is that even possible?’

The same performer is also a skilled aerial artist, doing terrific hoop and silk aerial acts in the show.  

YOAH has a great circus variety as it has all this, a very good juggling act, and more!

Mesmerising

Light props are used well in multiple acts. Both in the quieter sequences, which give the show good pacing, and the brightly dazzling and gasp inducing acts that are accompanied by appropriately dramatic music.

During the quieter sequences in particular, it feels like telling a story of being lost then finding your way (at least that was what it evoked in me!) 

YOAH is a thoroughly entertaining experience! I would recommend this for anyone looking for a great quality, well rounded circus!