CircusFeaturedNorth East & YorkshireReview

Cirque: The Greatest Show – Alhambra Theatre, Bradford

Reviewer: Ray Taylor

Director: James Taylor

Producer: Max Fox

An enthusiastic and vociferous audience is treated to a terrific evening’s entertainment in this variety spectacular combining the best of musical theatre with jaw-dropping circus skills. The brainchild of Max Fox and James Taylor, it’s a kaleidoscope of singing, dancing, magic, contortion, aerial daring, juggling, acrobatic roller skating, cyr wheel skills (a sort of giant hoop that changes colour and pattern in which Billy George performs a dazzling series of acrobatics) and specialist fire act. The pace is non-stop with the stage full of lights, colour, sound (very loud) and action so you hardly know where to look as you become mesmerised by the breathtaking exploits and talent of the performers. Whether it is the dynamic Duo Eclipse of Steve and Georgia, an acrobatic roller skating couple who push the boundaries of trust through their dazzling routines and astound with their stunts and seamless synchronicity, or the amazing dexterity of juggler Tom Barrandon, or the sheer audacity, elasticity and bravery of high aerialists Dione Hassell and Shonagh Leatherbarrow, this show has something for everyone.

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The show is loosely held together by the award-winning comedian, actor, magician and mime artist Christian Lee, who comes on to entertain the audience in between the various acts with his unique brand of wackiness. The simple, basic premise is that he enters into a monochrome world and seeks a life in colour. There then follows a series of dazzling set pieces which showcase this ambition. Lee is a consummate performer who demonstrates his array of skills perfectly, keeping the audience entertained whilst the next scene is being set up and even involving a couple of individual members who were fortunate (?) enough to be sitting on the front row. So good were these, going along with the antics and winning applause of their own, that this reviewer wondered if they were a plant but no – they were genuine. The routine with the coat hanging on the peg is particularly clever.

All the lead vocalists – Max Fox, Robbie Waugh and Tori Murray – are exceptional, producing high quality sound in a medley of popular songs from the West End and Broadway as well as individual hits from the likes of Elton John. They really have stunning vocals and are a pleasure to listen to, accompanying the action brilliantly.

This show is a sure-fire hit with the whole family from young to old and should impress all who come to see it.

Reviewed on 26th July 2024.

The Reviews Hub Score

Spectacular and Awesome

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The Reviews Hub - Yorkshire & North East

The Yorkshire & North East team is under the editorship of Jacob Bush. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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