Reviewed by Amanda Gazzard
Let’s all go Berserkus!!!
Cirque Berserk was founded and produced by Martin Burton from the world-famous Zippo Circus and is a theatre style production of the circus. Throughout we were treated to the many talents from around the globe all showcasing their own disciplines.
The show was opened by the brilliant Timbuktu Tumblers who made tumbling a true acrobatic art form look effortless. We were thrilled with a vast range of other acts ranging from Bolas Argentina’s which use the Bolas in a different way which includes fire at one point, Jackie who performs beautiful acrobatics in mid-air, Revolution Troupe who basically catapult themselves into the air and land on their feet (everytime!), knife throwing at a human moving target and Elbere, a contortionist who proves how flexible she actually is by peeling herself out of a large jar and uses her feet whilst bending over backwards to shoot an arrow. The list goes on with various skilled performers who all sparkle in their performances and prove just why they are worthy to be on centre stage.
Paulo dos Santos progresses through the show as a sort of clown (not dressed up), silent comedian, to ultimately showing off his acrobatic skills.
The truly amazing showstopper in my opinion had to be the amazing Lucius Team whose motorcycle draw dropping finale left everybody young and old on the edge of their seats whilst holding their breath.
The only negative part of the performance was not the acts themselves but the poor staging design, as at times the staging was very dark and from where I was sitting, which was on the balcony, I found it hard at times to see the performers fully. I appreciate I was not sitting in a big top but I felt at times the aerial work lost its wow factor as unless you’re sitting at stage level it’s very difficult to gage the height of the mid-air work. By the end of the performance the one thing I was pleased not to hear any more was the dancers whooping which I must admit was starting to grate on me after a while, and I was struggling to see the relevance of it to the production, but this is personal preference and their performances were good overall.
This is definitely a family orientated show and is long enough in production time (approx. 1½ hours) that your little ones will be enthralled for the right amount of time before becoming fidgets in their seats.
Cirque Berserk is traditional in the circus skills they perform whilst proving they have been creative enough to showcase in a theatre.
This is a wonderful family show and you will not be left disappointed.
All the staff at The Cliffs Pavilion was helpful and polite. We were guided to our row with a smile. At the interval drinks and snacks are served effortlessly and with a smile.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £17.50 to £29.50 (booking fees may apply).
Cirque Berserk! is at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend from 18-22 September 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135
