Cirque Berserk
Winter Wonderland
Reviewed on Monday 9th December 2013
In the middle of Hyde Park stands a village of wooden huts, log cabins and fairground rides. It's Christmas, there's snow and mulled wine. But amidst all the festivities of a Winter Wonderland, something else has arrived...
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In the middle of Hyde Park stands a village of wooden huts, log cabins and fairground rides. It's Christmas, there's snow and mulled wine. But amidst all the festivities of a Winter Wonderland, something else has arrived...
A tent. Smoke and drums. One hundred beating hearts. For this is no ordinary tent. Inside this big top is the Cirque Berserk - a circus like no other that tells us of a lost civilisation searching for a new homeland, as they are pursued by the Stormbringer...
From the directors of Zippos Circus, Cirque Berserk manages to pack a lot of acts into one hour and there's no denying that the show is fast-paced. The audience watch in awe as the artistes perform daring feats, beautiful routines and balancing acts. Some of the artistes risk life and limb with their daredevil performances - not one of them uses a safety net, something that is always admirable in a circus. Knives are thrown, poles are climbed and somersaults are turned.
Yet the show seems lacking in many respects, with several acts not quite as polished as other circus performances. Naturally, safety is imperative but there are reasons that circuses have clowns and the breaks between acts are slightly too long and there is minimal distraction. Despite the time taken to fix ropes and equipment, there are several near misses, which add to the tense atmosphere, but detract from the beauty of traditional circus. It's also quite unclear how the story fits in with all of the performances.
Los Marinhos only just manage to impress with their opening trapeze act, after a misjudged somersault, but their circus finale of the wheel of death is one of the most incredible and terrifying performances most people will ever see and leaves the audience flabbergasted. The flying silk act is as beautiful as ever and the flexible Kremena performs a hand balance act which is both graceful and incredible. The costumes are nicely in keeping with the tribal theme, while the make-up for narrator Tamara De Silva is particularly impressive.
Children and those of a nervous disposition will love the nail-biting performances that draw gasps from all members of the crowd. However, if you're a seasoned circus attendee, the majority of the show might leave you slightly disappointed.
Reviewed by Michaela Clement-Hayes
Cirque Berserk runs at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park until 5th January 2014.
Click here for further information and tickets.
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