Stage show captures big top spirit

Cirque Berserk, Wales Millennium Centre

ENGINES revved, sparks flew and the audience held its breath as four bikers reached hair-raising speeds of 60mph in 360-degree loops inside a steel globe.

Cirque Berserk is proud of its Motorcycle Globe of Death act, which they say has never been performed in UK theatres until now, as it was thought to be too dangerous.

The daredevil Lucius Team certainly had the packed crowd at Wales Millennium Centre captivated as they sped round and round the metal sphere.

Creative director Julius Green said the show includes more than 30 different circus skills, including aerial straps, clowning, handstands, juggling, knife throwing, pole and silks.

The cast is made up of 35 performers from all over the world – a contortionist from Mongolia, dancers from Hungary and a foot juggler from France.

A team of acrobats transformed themselves into towering human pyramids in the dynamic opening act from the Timbuktu Tumblers.

The group, which draws inspiration from traditional street art, was full of energy as they dived through hoops and limboed under flaming poles.

Flexible Odka curled herself into a glass bell jar before unfurling her limbs, performing a perfect handstand and shooting a bow and arrow with her feet.

Jose and Gaby delivered a stand-out act as they performed a graceful acrobalance routine, with Gaby poised in a seemingly effortless one-armed handstand on her partner’s head. There were gasps from the crowd as the Tropicana Troupe catapulted each other high into the air from a seesaw, performing incredible flips and spins before landing perfectly.

Although the show was performed on a stage, it really managed to capture the carnival spirit of the big top. The costumes were a feast for the eyes, especially a wideeyed owl that fluttered its feathered wings above the stage.

At times, there was almost too much to look at – it was a shame two aerial hoop performers faded into the shadows and could hardly be seen.

Overall, this was a dynamic, fast-paced and fun show for all the family.

by Liz Day