The Hot Dots was the story of two hugely successful vaudeville performers and their spectacular fall from grace. Acrobatic balancing, physical theatre and film combined to tell this fantastic story, set against the backdrop of 1930s Music Hall.
We toured The Hot Dots more than any other show. It was a simple narrative, set in an evocative era, with really fun acrobatics. The result was a great piece of contemporary circus, particularly for people who haven’t seen new circus before.
Directed by Kristine Landon-Smith
Designed by Sue Mayes
Lighting by Nick Flintoff
Tour booking by Richardson PRM
Work-in-progress production directed by Abigail Dooley.
Photos & video: Mark Morreau.
Developed with support from Jacksons Lane & Corn Exchange, Newbury.
Funded by Arts Council England (and a lot of help from our friends).
The Hot Dots
An acrobatic love story
“Poignant, funny, clever – but most of all, hugely entertaining” The Stage
“Outstanding” The Observer
So & So bring you the beautiful, touching and often thrilling story of Frank and Evie, two vaudeville performers who fell in love in the summer of 1928. The show is directed by Kristine Landon-Smith (artistic director, Tamasha Theatre), whose previous credits include East is East (National Theatre), and Wuthering Heights (The Lyric).
The Hot Dots begins when Frank – a laid back, happy go lucky performer – realises he has to share the limelight with the fame hungry Evie. Despite the initial dressing room tension the pair gradually realise that together they can create something really spectacular. The onstage chemistry soon spreads in to the dressing room, and so begins a beautiful romance. As their fame spreads, the theatre they are in for the summer becomes too small for Evie’s ego and it becomes clear that something will have to give – but what?
As well as the stunning acrobatic displays, the show maintains a subtlety of emotion throughout, never opting for the obvious. If you thought acrobatics was performed by lycra-clad troupes to thumping music, think again. This is acrobatics for the 21st century, and will leave you questioning what you previously thought was possible.
So & So’s unique style and jaw dropping performances makes The Hot Dots a show like no other. If you want to laugh; if you want to cry; but most of all, if you like your entertainment to keep you on the edge of your seat, then this is the show you have been waiting for.
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"So & So Circus is superb.
Kaveh Rahnama and Lauren Hendry combining their juggling and gymnastic skills to tell the story of 1920s acrobatic dance duo Frank Johnstone and Evie Steele.
Their jumping jive and be bop routine takes to frightening dimensions as the Hot Dots meet, rise to fame and descend into oblivion in sequences as much contemporary dance as circus –
and always breath-taking."
Blackpool Gazette.