Cirque Eloize Cirkopolis at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
Cirque Eloize Cirkopolis
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
11-14 March 2015
Reviewed by Nicola Mccallum
The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton consistently attracts premium shows and quality productions into its theatre and Cirkopolis by Cirque Eloize certainly fits the bill. When I first heard about Cirkopolis I was a little unsure of what to expect. Every year I try to take my children on a trip to the circus and I love the atmosphere that is created when you step into a traditional big top so I was interested in to how a circus show could be translated and adapted in to a show set in a traditional theatre.
The Mayflower Theatre is situated in the centre of Southampton and can be reached easily by car, train and bus. Although it does not have its own dedicated car park there are plenty of car parks all within 5 minutes of the theatre itself and these are all well signposted for those coming to the theatre that are unsure of the area. Despite the age of the building of the theatre is modern also highlighting key features of the traditional building whilst capturing the true essence of the grandeur that is historically associated with visits. The foyer is well lit, modern and inviting, filled by plenty of well presented, courteous staff who are polite and on hand to cater to every theatre goers need. There are plenty of well displayed signs enabling guests to easily find their way to their seats and any amenities they may need.
Cirkopolis is directed by Dave St-Pierre and Jeannot Painchard and they have done a fabulous job of creating a contemporary piece of circus artistry which is laced throughout with dance and humour. The audience is able to follow they story of Ashley, a dreary office worker who comes alive with the help of his friends and their circus skills. The performers are able to flow seamlessly throughout the show, each able offering the audience an insight in to their own mastered skill along displaying their versatility in the group numbers. The juggling scene in the first act left the audience in awe as we all wondered how they were able to move in sequence with each other, know who they were juggling with whilst walking in and out of other people juggling all without dropping a baton and making it look easy.
The essence of Cirkopolis is the humanity of this production. Through the show the audience are able to form a bond with the cast especially with the main character of the story Ashley. Taking on the role of the clown character he is able to offer the audience a more relaxed form of humour and the piece involving him dancing with a dress on a rail is something that I will never forget. On paper the idea of a man dancing with a dress on a hanger just does not seem to work but when performed by Ashley Carr every member of the audience was captivated feeling all the emotions that acted out before our eyes.
The skill involved in this production cannot go unmentioned. Every artist was as good as each other and all excelling in their own way giving plenty of variety to the show. Lea Toran Jenner was made it look like she was at one with her Cyr wheel. Maude Arseneault and Mikael Bruyere-labbe blew me away with their effortless number on the Chinese pole. Maria Combarros made me envious not only of the way she could bend her body but of the way she made herself look like she was simply floating on water as she performed her solo number.
This show is definitely one that will appeal to the masses and I am glad I have had the privilege to see this show. I was simply in awe of these performers, from their skill to their dedication to bring to story to life. The buzz after the performance brought a piece of excitement amongst us viewers eager to talk about what we had just seen and looking forward to spreading the word about this show. Even just a few hours after the show itself I have already found myself telling my mum to book tickets for when the tour comes to Scotland and telling a close gymnast friend to also go and see the show.
I would happily come back and see this show tomorrow and I know I would love it just as much as I have loved it tonight, for this reason I am giving Cirkopolis 5 out of 5. This is a show that is world class which truly invites you in and captures you in all of the magic of circus and dance.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £15 to £26 (booking fees may apply).
Cirque Eloize Cirkopolis is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until 14 March 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
