Laya Healthcare Street Performance World Championship 2012 | Editor's Picks

Words: Dave O'Shaughnessy

Dublin - 19th-22nd July

Cork - 14th-15th July

When the 7th annual Laya Healthcare Street Performance World Championship rolls into Cork and Dublin in just a few weeks, a slew of the world’s weirdest, wildest and wackiest street entertainers, including some of the best jugglers, acrobats, contortionists and magicians in the world, will set out to shock and awe the public in the most mind-boggling ways. And best of all, admission is free. What more could you want?

As one of the countries highest attended annual events, the SPWC epitomises family fun, and this year the Laya Healthcare Fun Zones guarantee that big kids and small kids alike will have plenty of opportunities for adventure with zip-lines, climbing walls, trampolines and more in the The Wheeeeeeee (your pants) Zone. If a more chilled affair is in order, or simply a break between exploring, then The Layabout is the venue of choice. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, check out the rest here.

But the performers are the real stars of the event, and seeing as the public get to crown their champion, we’ve selected a few to keep your eyes out for.

Hakuna Matata Acrobats
A little bit of homegrown talent up first. Hakuna Matata Acrobats promise agility and laughs like no others, with their high energy act entertaining all the family with leaping, limboing and everything in between. Catch them when you can!

Mario Queen of the Circus
Hailing from the boroughs of New York and New Jersey, Mario, alter ego of one Clarke McFarlane is a veteran of performance with a variety of talents and numbers that entertain every time. There may or may not also be a reference to Freddie Mercury.. (There definitely will be.)

The Space Cowboy
Last years winner of the SPWC, The Space Cowboy returns as a special guest with what is a truly freaky performance. Whips, chainsaws, machetes and a ten-foot unicycle all come into play. Enough said (apart from do not miss him).

Lisa Lottie
With a name like hers, you expect something cute and sweet from little Lisa Lottie. What you get however is a beautiful, bending belle with more than a few tricks up her sleeves. Throw in a seven-foot high hula hoop trick and you’ve got entertainment guaranteed.

Reuben Dot Dot Dot
With experience in Cirque du Soleil under his belt, you’d have to be mad to miss Reuben Dot Dot Dot. You’d also have to be mad to BE Reuben, who attempts (always a scary word that) a revolving handstand TWENTY feet in the air. Madness. Entertaining madness.

And there you have it. Go forth and be amazed.

For all other info on the Street Performance World Championship, check out SPWC.ie

Story by EI Team | 09:00 | Monday 2nd July 2012 | Theatre

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