Cirque is a hugely enjoyable variety show consisting of song and dance, humour, audience participation(!), and, of course, circus acts. It was great to see in an almost full Congress Theatre (it seats more than 1,600) so many young people with their parents really enjoying and often totally enthralled by much of what they experienced.
It is a lavish production by Entertainers, a production company based in east London which specialises in touring ‘one-night’ shows all over the United Kingdom from Inverness to Truro and giving audiences value for money. Cirque boasts a cast of twenty-five. There are about ten dancers, though the whole cast seems to dance at times, under the direction of choreographer Lynsey Brown and dance captain Stephanie Taylor. They have, wisely, devised some straightforward but inventive moves which looked impressive on the large Congress stage.
There are three vocalists: Max Fox, Luke Moore and Nikita Coulon, who not only had the opportunity of singing solo, they also accompanied some of the circus acts which was resourceful and worked well.
All the circus acts were, at the very least, extremely competent. The most impressive was Andrei and Vika’s knife throwing routine: they also had a certain panache which some of the less experienced performers are still to achieve. Alem and Aben’s roller skating was very stylish and had one marvelling at their skill.
Others who impressed were acrobats Archie Collier, Jo and Seyfu, Jonny Crane (hand to hand), and Petro whizzing around and showing impressive balance on the Cyr Wheel.
Humour was in the capable hands of Christian Lee as Marcel, a mime artist. Most impressive was his mechanical dog – if only this had been on sale as part of the production’s merchandising! The director, Max Fox again, used Marcel to link the various acts, especially in the first half, but this was inclined to slow the momentum of the show and, good as Christian Lee was, one could have done with slightly less! His use of members of the audience in several of his routines was quite amusing from the stalls, but whether those further away in the upper reaches of the theatre felt the same, I doubt!
The most spectacular aspects of the entire presentation were the inspired video projections (The Character Shop) and ever-changing lighting design (Tye Connolly) both of which gave a real touch of class to the evening. Both ensured that there was always something to look at, as well as creating a sense of opulence. The excellent backing track, never too loud, was by Chiosa Fred.
Occasionally, in the first part, Cirque did not flow quite as well as it should, as if the next act were not ready and I felt it was a mistake during the finale of the show for the cast to attempt to get the audience clapping along five minutes before the end: they ran out of enthusiasm long before the end of the last number and the effect was that of an anti-climax. Apart from that, Entertainers have devised an excellent show here: undemanding, feel-good entertainment, ideal for all ages. Recommended, if Cirque visits a theatre near you, which it almost certainly will!
Review by John Groves
Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights.
Experience iconic West End showstoppers paired with awe-inspiring circus acts showcasing their breathtaking feats of agility.
This all-new production promises to transport you on a vibrant, kaleidoscopic journey bursting with colour, energy, and excitement.
Lynsey Brown – Choreographer / Dancer
Max Fox – Vocalist / Director
Christian Lee – Marcel / Mime Artist
Shonagh Leatherbarrow – Lead Aerialist / Handstands / Adagio / Hand to Hand
Nikita Coulon – Vocalist
Luke Moore – Vocalist
Alem & Aben – Rollerskating Duo
Archie Collier – Acrobat / Handstands / Adagio
Jo & Seyfu – Icarian Games / Acrobat
Jonny Crane – Hand to Hand
Andrei & Vika – Knife Act / Aerial Loop / Whips
Petro – Cyr Wheel
Stephanie Taylor – Dancer / Dancer Captain
Kizzi Pink – Dancer
Georgina Clarke – Dancer
Lily Naylor – Dancer
Connor Wells – Dancer
Cameron Holland – Dancer
Tori Murray – Vocalist / Swing
Kia Jewell – Dancer / Swing
Stephen Strain – Dancer / Swing
CIRQUE: THE GREATEST SHOW – REIMAGINED
Congress Theatre Eastbourne, 3 October 2025
UK tour continues with dates into 2026
