Theatre review - Le Grande Cirque

9:27am Friday 5th September 2008

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Le Grande Cirque brought back some cherished memories from childhood - dressing up in colourful costumes, spinning hula hoops and bounding around with endless energy. But this show is anything but child's play.

It has played to more than 10 million people around the world and features an international cast of 50 world champion acrobats and performers from more than 15 countries, including China, Russia and Monte Carlo.

Le Grande Cirque is likely to be one of the most magical shows you will ever see. I can see why it's often labelled the next generation of Cirque de Soleil, I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time completely captivated by what I was watching. It's like a circus but with an added touch of showbiz.

The show opens with male acrobats climbing up some poles and then jumping from one to another, landing face first just inches away from hitting the floor.

A mime artist, complete with top hat, interacts with the audience throughout the show and helps to distract from the set changes taking place behind the curtain.

His presence could be frustrating at times because he didn't speak English. Yet he communicated to the audience very well using his hands and dance. He even dragged a few people on stage to embarrass them.

Looking for a stand out act? The acrobats jumping through silver hoops were astonishing. The routine where hoops get taller and smaller, but the difficulty of the gravity defying stunts stayed the same, is heart-pounding to watch but too exciting to turn away.

Le Grande Cirque is an amazing visual feast, as well as the mind blowing accomplishments of its acrobats and performers, the costumes featured every colour of the rainbow and even more diamonds and glitter. The lighting glowed mellow blues, bold reds and extravagant golds, all to set the mood. The bubble machine was a nice touch as well.

It was full of grace, strength, agility and fun As the show ended, I realised I had probably just seen the best performance of my life.