How often can you say that you have seen a show performed by

performers who are at the top of their craft?

Last February I was taking my usual jogging route up to my local Train station

when I noticed a poster for the Cirque du Soleil. My thirst thoughts

were that it was an old poster for a show that had happened already.

On further investigation it turned out it was for later in the year, in November

to be precise. It was a long wait, but one worth waiting for.

The journey to where it was being held was long, added to which there was a suspected

bomb in one of the stations, which meant being crushed on the metro and the fear we might

not make it to the venue. As we crossed the Seine we saw the large circus top from the train.

I knew the circus had a formidable reputation and my expectations were high.

I have been to excruciating circuses where you groan and watch things go wrong, jugglers messing up, cringe-worthy unfunny clowns, but this show was in a league of its own, full of imagination, constant energy, wit, quirkiness, bravery, enthralling, it had the lot.

For people who love to be taken back in time, with a steampunk vibe and the bizarreness of curiosity shows, this was a pleasure.

The way they moved around the performance area in their flamboyant costumes was superb.

For a circus to get you on the edge of your seat there needs to be some breathtaking stunts, and a high level of risk and there was certainly this.

Perhaps the part I liked the most was when they were jumping up and down ona large springy net, wearing fishing-man’s outfits. There was the whole gamut of circus skills, contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and more besides. By the end of the show I had the realisation I was lucky to be party to something special.

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