London Calling: Absolutely Brilliant
Host and MC Paul Dabek takes the audience on a nostalgic stroll through the London of his memories — and honestly, who doesn’t love a wander down memory lane? When that journey is punctuated by performers of this calibre, it becomes something truly special.
Framed around stories of a childhood train trip to visit his grandad and wide-eyed visits to London’s iconic landmarks, each anecdote is cleverly paired with a complementary act. The result is a show that feels cohesive rather than just a string of variety performances. And what performances they are! We’re treated to dizzying suitcase spinning, a breath-taking aerialist, juggling (with his mouth!), mesmerising hoop work — human slinky, anyone? — magic, illusion, and shadow puppetry that has absolutely no right to be that exciting. Seriously, highlight of the night.
The show is completely family-friendly… but learn from my mistake and maybe don’t bring your kids. Mine mocked me relentlessly while I cringed through audience participation and then finished me off by asking about the “old” references and music. Nothing like your children to humble you after an epic night out.
Having seen more than a few Fringe shows this season, London’s Calling is a genuine standout (thank you to the friend who told me to do myself a favour and book tickets — excellent life advice). The performers are immensely skilled, Dabek keeps the energy soaring, and the staging elevates the entire experience. The projected backdrop transforms ‘plastic chairs in a disused tennis court’ into faraway streets, effortlessly transporting the audience across the globe.
In short: clever, polished, and wildly entertaining — this is one call you definitely want to answer.
To book tickets to London Calling, please visit https://fringeworld.com.au/whats-on/london-calling-fw2026.
