A 1920s speakeasy full of flaming cocktails, a burning boxing ring and lots of tricks took centre stage in Norwich city centre as hundreds enjoyed Bad Taste Company's outdoor spectacle Faust.

Eastern Daily Press: Bad Taste Company perform Faust to an appreciative audience on Millennium Plain during the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYBad Taste Company perform Faust to an appreciative audience on Millennium Plain during the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: Archant Norfolk)

The show, part of this year's Norfolk and Norwich Festival, was performed today on Millennium Plain, and it was a big hit with the crowds who clapped and cheered as the performers wowed them with their ingenious choreography and explosive set.

Set in the American Prohibition era, it was an adaptation of Goethe's classic tale where drinking, gambling and womanising leave the tale's hero in danger of losing his soul to the devil.

Among those to enjoy Faust were friends Kimberley Moore, 26, from Norwich, and Katy Lavington Woods, 34, from Norwich, who were at the show with Katy's children Anya and Maya, both five.

They were all impressed with the show's special effects and dancing.

Katy said: 'I thought choreography was brilliant. I thought it was really original. The music was really well chosen and set the mood too.

'For me the festival is brilliant because it lets my children see that art is not just about going to an art gallery or a theatre, but it can be anywhere and anything.

'It also brings lots of people out and makes a really good buzz around the city.'

Stewart and Andrea Rippon, 49 and 46, from Norwich, were at the show with their 10-year-old daughter Fay.

Andrea said: 'It was brilliant, and I loved the music. We love coming the festival every year, particularly the outdoor free events, It's so nice, especially after being cooped up in the winter. We are looking forward to seeing lots of events.'

Fay added: 'The show was incredible, and I thought it was really clever how they set everything on fire.'

Twenty-nine-year-old Louise Medway, from Brundall, and her six-year-old daughter Olivia, also had fun watching Faust.

Louise said: 'It was really nice to see something like that as a free event in Norwich. I thought it was fantastic. I did not know what to expect but I was thoroughly impressed. I am looking forward to the rest of the festival.'

Faust is part of the festival's MG Free programme, a series of free outdoor events for all ages taking place during the festival and sponsored by May Gurney.

There will be another performance of Faust tomorrow at Millennium Plain at 2pm.