Circus leaves audience enthralled (From Stourbridge News)

Circus leaves audience enthralled

12:55pm Monday 11th February 2008 in Theatre By Bev Holder

PHENOMENAL Chinese State Circus performers left audience members absolutely awe-struck when they brought their dazzling show to the Black Country.

The action-packed two-hour production at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, featuring some of the world's greatest acrobats and artsistes, provided real edge-of-the-seat entertainment.

Narrated by famous Chinese folklore character - the Monkey King, the fun for all the family outing combined mesmerising martial arts warriors from the Shaolin Temple, artistes from Peking Opera and amazingly agile acrobatic stars.

Staging, music and lighting were basic - with the spectacle totally centred on the incredible talents of the company's fearless and precise performers.

Back-flipping acrobats spiralling through rotating hoops and dynamic fight sequences from the martial arts warriors enthralled the crowd, while a contortionist and terracotta jar-flipping artiste performed nail-biting routines capable of serious damage if not executed perfectly.

The show was littered with highlights, in fact there was never a dull moment - but perhaps the most memorable and eye-catching routines were a beautifully choreographed costumed performance of the Lion Dance and an awe-inspiringly graceful, plate-spinning sequence - which saw the artists gliding across the stage, balancing on their heads, standing on top of each other and hanging in the air, while continuing to spin four plates each.

An absolutely incredible show - one of the best traditional circuses you'll ever see.