Cirque: The Greatest Show – Review – Bradford Alhambra Theatre
By Christine Goode, July 2024
A lively audience of all ages are eagerly waiting for the show to start. Young children armed with flashing toys are extremely excited – it is the summer school break and time for a special trip to the theatre. They have all come to see the high energy production Cirque: The Greatest Show, which promises musical theatre combined with circus thrills.
The stage is set in black and white as we meet lone mime artist Christian Lee, sat in his dull small house watching his small monochrome TV. The show follows Lee as he wins a big new colour TV, allowing him to see in life in colour as he is introduced to the glamour and glitz of theatre and the circus.
Lee gives an excellent performance throughout, with audience participation having us roaring with laughter and cheering as he performs well-known, but funny tricks. He is the continuity throughout the show (whilst also allowing the stage crew to change scenes between acts), reminding us of his simple life in black and white. It is an effective and clever contrast, especially when the main acts come to life in full colour on stage.
“Exceptional strength”
The show kicks off with a familiar favourite from the hit musical The Greatest Showman. ‘The Greatest Show’ is led by Max Fox and a cast of enthusiastic performers, all wearing dazzling costumes. The musical theatre and circus acts are bright, daring and loud, displaying the fun and colourful side of life that the lone mime artist is missing. The storyline is, admittedly, weak but aids as a connection to the variety of acts and helps to keep the show flowing.
With a wide variety of talented acts there is something for everyone, such as daring roller skating by Duo Eclipse, aerial artists, quick change acts, jugglers, a specialist fire artist, along with dancers and singers. Many of the acts are combined with singing and dancing which enhances most of the performances, although at times I did feel this was distracting to the point of overkill, taking something of the focus from the main circus artist. The circus acts themselves are all excellent and equal to anything you would see on television, as they effortlessly display exceptional strength, training, and dedication to their skill.
“Impressive”
Well known songs from La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge, and the band Queen went down well with the audience, however, at times, a couple of the songs did feel a little too ambitious. Credit goes to Rhys Richard and Liam Raven for their standout high energy dance performances throughout the show – they had great attack, style and technique.
The stage and lighting is set to represent the inside of a circus tent, and this was achieved with the additional touch of impressive videography. However, the wings and front of stage had visible cables and equipment which was visible from the auditorium, and therefore distracting, spoiling the overall appearance.
The show is a lengthy two hours, with a 20-minute interval and is good, all-round light-hearted family entertainment. Despite some aesthetic issues, a good time was still had by all.
Christine Goode founded her own dance school – The May School of Dance & Theatre Arts over three decades ago. Her dedication to teaching and love of dance, has created many successful artists in the industry, and she is delighted that many of her former students have now returned with their children, allowing them to also discover this beautiful art. She has choreographed, produced and directed shows over the last 36 years, and is devoted to all live theatre and music. Now in her third year of writing about her obsession with the arts, Christine loves to encourage everyone to see as much live theatre as possible.
maydanceschool.co.uk
