Dizzy O’Dare and his Giant Balloon Show have drifted from the UK, over the sea and through the air, all the way to our little city fair. Boorloo families who enter the Big Top down at the Pleasure Garden to catch a glimpse of Dizzy’s big ol’ balloon are in for a guaranteed extra-fun time under the tent. Good thing the rafters are way too high, because the kids would be swinging from them otherwise.

Dizzy O’Dare (Michael Imerson) is a balloon master, ringleader, and pied piper – but don’t worry parents – he only wants to lead your children to the stage floor to dance and cut loose to his favourite 80s hits. And he wants to get everyone involved, not just the kiddos, with cheers and whistles, applause and Mexican waves.

O’Dare has a wonderful way of making his young volunteer spectators feel comfortable sharing the spotlight right away, and reassures the potentially anxious parents with witty asides too. There are riotously fun challenges, all involving balloons – especially the ones that POP! He primes the crowd for the balloons’ inevitable fate [BANG!] by leaning right into it and turning it a game.

A joyful mayhem quickly spreads as O’Dare teases the appearance of the titular Giant Balloon. Once it gets up and running at last, and the stage has been cleared of any stray balloon pieces or children, you’ll see why it’s simply an ingenious set piece to create a show around. If you’ve got the knack for circus, theatre, and comedy that O’Dare does, that is.

Most of us don’t, which is why we’ve got to show our kids all the wonderful things that these imaginative Fringe creators like Dizzy O’Dare can do.

It’s a rollicking good time for one and all (my middle-aged self included), but do be sure to bring along some headphones or other ear coverings if your little one has sound sensitivities, as this show does go off with a bang!

CICELY BINFORD

The Giant Balloon Show runs every weekend until the end of FRINGE WORLD. For tickets and more information, go here.