Behind the Big Top: The Creative Forces of Circus Show “Nose Dive Assembly” at the Brighton Fringe

In their latest production coming to Brighton Fringe Nose Dive Assembly: Birds of a Feather, Revel Puck Circus delivers a soaring blend of high-stakes acrobatics and heartfelt storytelling that challenges traditional circus boundaries. We spoke to acrobat Arielle Lauzon and the creative team behind the show to discuss the ensemble-driven narrative, the symbolic role of failure, and how their daring feats are grounded in deep emotional resonance. With a strong focus on community, vulnerability, and innovation, Nose Dive Assembly: Birds of a Feather invites audiences to embrace the beauty in risk-taking and the transformative power of flight.

How would you describe Nose Dive Assembly: Birds of a Feather?The Nose Dive Assembly is a high skilled, innovative and fun spectacle that has everything you want from a circus show and more. It’s a show where it’s safe to take risks and about trusting you’ll always land back on your feet and that you can pull so much inspiration and support from your community. 

Pierrot’s journey is very heartfelt and personal. How does the ensemble help to elevate her performance?By supporting her through her crazy attempts at flying. They show her their version of flying and some of them even let her have a go at they’re apparatus. The ensemble guide her in a variety of ways focusing on her strengths and encourage her to keep trying.

Peggy, the mischievous drone, plays a key role in Pierrot’s transformation. How does Peggy reflect the tensions between encouragement and recklessness?

Peggy the drone, as well intentioned as she is, is pushing past Pierrot’s physical capacities. Encouraging someone to try something new is one thing, but there is never a one size fits all mentality that stays within healthy mind frame. Pierrot could never keep up with a drone, and trying to become one with a giant fan suit has it’s consequences. 

The concept of ‘failure as part of flight’ runs through the show. Can you tell us more about that? The concept of “failure as part of flight” shows that nothing is linear, and that failing is part of the game. So why are we so set to avoid it and fear it? We thought it was important to show a new perspective on something that is often perceived negatively. Failing is an opportunity to be creative, curious and ingenuous. Failing is also the gateway to agency and it always takes you a step closer to what you want to achieve.  

Nose Dive Assembly has been described as a "visceral and cerebral delight." How do you strike a balance between awe-inspiring stunts and introspective moments?By not shying away from showing our vulnerabilities or sugarcoating the risk we take as acrobats. But the magic exists in nuance. For example, a discipline like Wheel of Death where there is no room for failure, is a level of risk most people will never encounter. To even witness it is an emotional experience. To balance that level of risk and emotion, there is a light-hearted Pierrot who plays and delights in failure throughout the show. Both different representations of the same concept. 

Would you recommend the show to those who aren’t usually circus-goers?

Absolutely! If they think of circus and imagine big top, big props and big skills, they won’t be disappointed. The Nose Dive Assembly is all that but with extra big surprises where they’ll find themselves amazed by world class acrobats coming together to give you that childlike joy and excitement of going to the circus. 

And lastly – what sets Birds of a Feather apart from any other circus show?What makes this show stand out is not only it’s innovative apparatuses that surprise even the most experienced circus performers, but it also doesn’t shy away from showing the human behind the performer. The cast is such a tight nit group that allows to push acrobatic boundaries and human connection to a level that allows for so much joy, risk taking, vulnerability and trust. 

Nose Dive Assembly: Birds of a Feather will be performed at Brighton Fringe’s Circus Yard from 2nd May – 1st June. For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/the-nose-dive-assembly