FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026

BCF 26: By Trial And Error
Photo courtesy of Young at Art

Le Cirque Content Pour Peu's By Trial And Error, or Entre le Zist et le Geste, is an improvisational identity tale told in the form of compelling circus antics. Nimbly performed by the hugely talented duo of Loïse Manuel and Hugo Marchand, this fun-filled, joyful experience earns a high level of power and intelligence through mixing creative and childlike chaos with the relatability in the known and the unknown, resulting in an appealing concoction for all ages on several levels.

The production is driven by a wave of fear and doubt which hits Manuel and Marchand's artists once they emerge from a black curtain. Initially so certain of what they want to perform for their audience, the pair begin to wonder if their moves are really the correct ones, and this sets the soul and thrust of the show in motion. Anyone who's recently found themselves reconsidering their daily plans or has lately been provoked to reconsider a previously entrenched opinion will likely connect with this, and find that what might be the most memorable experience of all - in their own lives and for these circus performers - may actually come across by trial and error, as the title puts it.

Among the many fascinating or inspiring movements and routines are the swimming motions which hint at a battle against a mental and physical tide, swerving which points to the avoidance of an unexpected obstacles, and the numerous times where the duo get in a muddle and the audience can't help but laugh while simultaneously finding a way to empathise with their unease. Such empathy makes it most delightful when Manuel and Marchand do synchronise, with instances of acrobatic lifts that are simply breathtaking and a fascinatingly unorthodox use of music. Both memorable as family entertainment and resonant as a quest for certainty amidst the uncertain, By Trial And Error is a most enjoyable and very valuable work.

Simon Fallaha

By Trial And Error (Entre le Zist et le Geste) ran from Saturday March 7 to Sunday March 8 at the Naughton Studio in Belfast's Lyric Theatre, as part of the Young at Art Belfast Children's Festival 2026 (#BCF26). You can find more about what's on at the festival here.