Act 3 - The Carpetbag Brigade, 2008

The Carpetbag Brigade were performing on the Royal Mile to promote their show The Vanishing Point.



I've seen many stunning photos of these performers. Their pale make-up and quirky costumes make them stand out, not to mention their impressive physical theatre on stilts, which certainly catches the eye.





And this girl's red hair made her even more photogenic.







All in all, definitely one of the most entertaining sights of 2008.

Act 2 - Al Millar, 2008

Alakazam aka Al Millar aka The Human Knot is a contortionist who also happens to have a wicked sense of humour and a great rapport with his audience.  It was fun to capture everyone's faces as he wriggled and twisted and squeezed his body through tiny spaces.





Here he fits himself through racket #2, finishing off by manipulating his limbs through a toilet seat; a trick he likes to call Trainspotting.  The guy is a mad talented genius. Just look at how enraptured his audience are.





And he's through!



His grand finale takes place high atop a pole while he juggles knives.





Love this guy!

Act 1 - Ophelia, 2008

Ophelia stands motionless with a mournful expression.



But throw her some money and she will spring to life, twisting and turning and dancing joyously.





Children love her and she's certainly photogenic.



I'm unsure if she was promoting a particular show or was strictly a street entertainer but I enjoyed photographing her immensely.