It appears circuses have changed over the years as the spectacle of seeing a wild animal performing under a big top has somewhat lost its appeal.
However when the all-human Moscow State Circus arrived at Birmingham Star City this Christmas it certainly brought the circus back to life with its fantastic new production Babushkin Sekret. Inspired by the Russian legend of The Twelve Chairs, the show follows the story of Valerik a former member of nobility who works as a desk clerk, in his quest to find his family fortune which has been hidden in one of the twelve chairs. Comical Valerick and his side kick Valik become treasure hunters, as they try to track down the lost chairs.
This interesting narrative is what helps cleverly link the whole show together and keeps the audience hooked with a mixture of spectacular acrobatic performances and comic moments. The Moscow State circus illustrate that animals are not always needed to keep audiences entertained as they place the emphasis of their production on displays of human skill, acrobatics and special effects.
The show was packed full of impressive gymnastic displays and balancing acts, which included Yana Alievia hanging off a revolving ariel Chandelier, juggling Sherbakovs on the reverse pyramid of St Petersburg, The Doktrov, flying & spiralling in the apex of the big top and even a motor bike on a hire wire with a trapeze act performing underneath the bike.
If that wasn’t enough to keep you on the edge of your seats then hilarious clowns Valik and Valerik kept audiences entertained.
The production had the perfect balance of the old and the new by combining contemporary ideas with classic showmanship. The Audience was laughing the one minute and in awe the next.
Highlights of the show had to be the hilarious trampoline capers of Professor Balakov and the ending of the balancing chairs routine.
The skill of each artist was something to be admired and each performer made it appear so effortless. Imagine skipping with someone else on your shoulders and still smiling at the same time.
The Moscow State Circus is not to be missed it’s a spectacular show for all the family to enjoy. Their tour continues until March this year for information about venue dates please see: http://www.moscowstatecircus.com/tour-dates.asp
