Don’t Try This At
Home!
Cirque
Berserk
Newcastle
Tyne Theatre & Opera House
Until Sunday 24th June 2018
Until Sunday 24th June 2018
Cirque Berserk bring all of the thrills of a circus
and the slick production of a west end show and combine it into a thrilling
performance. There are no safety nets here and you can feel the danger before
your very eyes. This is a show with a genuine “Wow!” factor.
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the circus
may seem a strange event to hold in a Grade I listed Victorian theatre – but it
is a perfect setting. In the history of the Tyne some spectacular shows have
been performed and this will rate amongst them.
The programme notes from the creative director,
Julius Green, explains that the 35 performers all work in regular circus but
have put this show together to tour theatres in the summer. The performers are from
a number of countries – however with such visual and physical performances
there are no problems with language. In fact, barely a word is spoken.
The show is slick. Something is happening all of the
time, the pace is constant – just like the soundtrack.
Appearing at regular points at the Timbuktu Tumblers. These acrobats form
human pyramids, jump through hoops and limbo under a fire lit pole with such
ease. I struck me throughout the show how “easy” these professionals made each
stunt look and yet I know I could not perform any of them.
Bolas
Argentinas arrived with their drums and were soon swinging
cords to make rhythms on the stage. Later on they’d be swinging stuff on fire around
too. Like a number of artists, there was an element of humour to their
performance which helped break the fourth wall.
Colombia’s Jose
& Gaby performed a number of balancing routines with grace and accuracy.
There were also aerial performers such as the UK’s Jackie, Aerial Ballet
from Hungary and Laci Fossett who all
bravely shone through.
Really impressive were Tropicana Troupe who catapulted themselves across the stage before
landing on their feet. We also had knife throwing, dancing, foot juggling and
the Mongolian Zula climbing a stack
of chairs. Odka arrived on stage in a
small bell jar, climbed out and performed archery with her feet whilst doing a
handstand. It was one of those crazy nights.
Most of the humour came from the Brazillian Mustache Brothers with their physical
slapstick humour. They were clowns without the big red noses. They also help segue
the action from one spectacle to the next.
Finally, each act ends with motorcycling stunts in
the Globe of Death. It is loud, fast
and smells of burnt fuel. Perfect for the petrolheads. When 4 bikes are
shooting around at 60 mph then you know that you are seeing a really special
event.
We had attended the show with our 15 year old and he
really enjoyed the spectacle. This is a rare treat – a family show that will
genuinely entertain everyone – children and adults alike. My hands hurt from
clapping so much!
Well worth missing the football for!
Review by Stephen Oliver
Photos:
Piet Hein Out
Tickets:
Stalls & Grand Circle: adults £27.50, concessions (over 65s & students) £24.50,
children (under 16) £15.50, limited view £18.50, family ticket (2 adults, 2
children or 1 adult, 3 children) £70
Upper Circle: adults £24.50, concessions £19.50, children £15.50, limited view
£18.50, family ticket £70
Show is recommended for ages 6+
Booking
and Information Line: 0844 2491 000 (10am – 6pm Monday to Friday)
Going to see it in July , Darlington Theatre. Looks Amazing.
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