The Sideshow
The Sideshow was an Australian television programme that was broadcast on ABC TV in 2007. The show was a mixture of stand-up comedy, sketches, live music, circus stunts, cabaret and burlesque. The hour long show was hosted by Paul McDermott. It reused the multiple-stage presentation style of the short-lived ABC show The 10:30 Slot, and remnants of the set of former GNW series The Glass House. The show began its life as a family variety show, airing at 7:30 pm on Saturday evenings. After 10 episodes beginning in April 2007, it took a few months off. Returning in August at the later time of 9:25 pm allowed the show to move from a PG to an M rating, and include a more adult-oriented humour. Similar to other shows produced by GNW TV, it had a cult following, and was regularly watched by 300,000 to 400,000 viewers. The series finale aired on 1 December 2007. The show was shot in a very loose style and it was not uncommon for cameras and crew members to be seen in a shot. All floor cameras and the two Jimmy Jibs had oversized Christmas lights attached to them, and become part of the scenery rather than something never to be seen. The series was created by Ted Robinson and was a GNW TV Production. It was a recreation of a show that Robinson was a part of in the early '90s called the Big Gig and would quite often recycle the stars from that show as "guests". It was pre-recorded in Studio 22 at the ABC's Ultimo studios in Sydney on Thursday nights for air on Saturdays.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of teenagers breaks into an abandoned carnival, only to find themselves trapped inside with a terrifying, unknown entity. As they try to escape, they must confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets. The carnival itself seems to be alive, playing twisted games with its unwilling visitors.
Critical Reception
The Sideshow received mixed reviews, often cited for its tense atmosphere and jump scares, but criticized for its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. It's considered a minor entry in the slasher/supernatural horror subgenre of the 2000s.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its effective use of suspense and claustrophobic setting.
- Criticized for a derivative storyline and reliance on common horror tropes.
- Some found the creature design and psychological elements intriguing, while others found them underdeveloped.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely unavailable or not prominently featured. Where available, viewers often noted it as a standard low-budget horror film with some effective scares but lacking originality.
Fun Fact
Director Toby Wilkins later directed the cult hit horror film 'Splinter' (2008), which also features a creature-feature element.
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