Revewed by Jo Tomalin
ForAllEvents.com
Les Foutoukours’ Glob Dazzles at Edinburgh Fringe 2026
Two curious characters appear in front of us in white furry coccoon like costumes, each with a red nose. The gorgeous set evokes winter time, with several blue globes, leafless trees and a raised centre piece with hidden nooks and crannies!
The Canadian theatre company based in Quebec, Les Foukoutours comprise two performers: Rémi Jacques and Jean-Félix Bélanger who have created and performed in several shows encompassing clowning, acrobatics, physical expression and theatre, at least three of which have been presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In Glob, their latest show, they create an enchanting world of their own and they invite us in to spend time with them. Blue globes rise in billowing fog, while melodic instrumental music and interesting soundscape underscore most of the non verbal show. The gentle sounds are compelling and offer a refreshing change to the busy lives we lead.
What is this world? Where are we? And who are these gentle creatures?
They are playful and interact with each other and the audience by subtle looks, a shrug of the shoulder or minimal gibberish sounds. Their personalities are different and they revel in the moment of discovery in real time. What is impressive is their clear precision of facial expression, physicality and gestures, walking with an idiosyncatic shuffling movement gliding around the space!
The story and arc are well well crafted and beautifully performed with a variety of surprises! Discovery, joy, and pain are right in front of us when the two try to do things – or sense their limitations when they can’t do what feels entirely logical – they are learning about life in front of us.
This is indeed masterful clowning! When they move across the stage and make gibberish sounds of delight the audience reacts with giggles engaging their own sense of discovery following each second of this wondrous adventure.
In a melodic piano Interlude, an acrobatic routine emerges with exceptional slow extensions and physical balances, it is graceful, too. Glob’s movement based non verbal physical vocabulary and expressions between them are expertly performed and finessed. An example is a brief effective moment when one is learning to fly! Blue globes! How to make them all white? What else do they have to do today? A red ball arrives… and so it continues! This is a beautiful way to spend an hour transporting us away from our lives, allowing us to breathe, a rare moment, and it’s most welcome.
Productions by Les Foutoukours are always creative and imaginative supported by solid circus, clown and physical acting skills, and Glob is outstanding in every way. Their pure artistry and humour come across from rtheir subtle reactions and interactions. Whether clowning, juggling or balancing to beautiful music, Glob is a complete show for all that is entertaining, engaging, tender, well crafted and performed and will whisk you away into a beautiful land led by these two endearing characters. Don’t miss this show! 5 stars!!!!!
More Information:
Les Foutoukours
https://lesfoutoukours.com/en/home/
Jo Tomalin studied with Jacques Lecoq in Paris. She completed the two year professional course at Ecole Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, Paris, France, where she also completed the Laboratoire du Mouvement (LEM) scenography, mask and movement course.
Originally from England, Jo is currently based in San Francisco, where she reviews Theatre & Dance for www.ForAllEvents.com & www.FringeReview.co.uk. She is a Professor in the School of Theatre & Dance at San Francisco State University where she teaches performance subjects and directs MainStage plays. She also works in the performing arts field as a freelance movement & voice specialist, director + actor. Jo’s play “Jessica” which she also directed was produced at the Fringe of Marin – a One Act New Play Festival in Northern California.
Jo Tomalin graduated with a degree from London University’s Laban Centre Teaching Credential program in Modern Dance, Art of Movement & Choreography; studied Classical Acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London; completed a teacher’s diploma (ATCL) in Voice and Acting from Trinity College of Dramatic Art, London; and studied classical ballet for 12 years.
Jo also holds a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning from Capella University, MN, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University in the USA.
