Circus extravaganza fails to live up to the hype

Review: Le Grande Cirque, Lowry

IT has been touted as the natural successor to Cirque du Soleil and Cirque Surreal, but last night’s showing did not match up to the hype.

The production is largely a display of gymnastics. But that said, it made for an entertaining family evening and some of the feats drew gasps from the audience.

If the show had relied purely on energy and suppleness and the ability to twist into nigh impossible contortions, there would have been little to criticise. But it lacked the wow factor.

Director Alan Harding saved the best for the second half of the show, and the end of the programme featured an act which was a departure from the rest of the fun production.

It involved a perfectly toned and lithe athlete — as they all were — suspended above the ground, twisting and turning in a beautiful interpretation of a dramatic piece of music.

One word of warning, watch out if you are going to the show and have a seat by the aisle or on the front row. You might just get more than you bargained for.

The production, which is fresh from a sold-out tour of America, runs until Sunday.