If your idea of the circus is clowns, acrobats and animals then you have obviously not been to The Cirque du Soleil which has just made a welcome return to South London.

A perfect alternative to pantomimes the Cirque promises "astounding sets, incredible effects and astonishing feats of acrobatic artistry" and has become known for its imaginative blend of theatre, art and acrobatics.

This includes a 120ft long overhead conveyor with five rails taking up almost the whole interior surface of the big top. This allows artists, sets, props and effects to dip and glide in the gravity-defying style for which the Cirque du Soleil is known.

Quidam is more thoroughly scripted than previous shows and integrates performance and theatricality to a greater extent.

Franco Dragone, director of the show said: "We wanted this latest production to be more human. Like preceding creations, it conveys emotion, but it is also more raw, more intense and more dramatic."

A new troupe made up of more than 50 performers, some as young as 12, has been assembled and as well as a spectacular set, Quidam features special effects and lighting and lavish costumes.

Since it was founded in Montreal in 1984, the Cirque du Soleil has revolutionised the art of circus with its blend of street performance, acrobatics and lavish sets and music.

Its ninth show, Quidam, has already been seen by almost five million people worldwide and was a sell-out when it came to Battersea last year.

It began as a small group of travelling performers and now employs more than 2,100 employees worldwide. In 2001 it staged seven shows on four continents.

December 3, 2001 14:30