A real circus in a theatre

Published: 19 January 2018
Reporter: Peter Lathan

Cirque Berserk!
Odka, Mongolian Contortionist Credit: Pier-Hein Out
The Lucius Troupe in The Globe of Death Credit: Pier-Hein Out

Circus, which is generally thought to be reaching its 250th birthday in 2018, comes to the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, which celebrated its 150th birthday last year.

Presented by Zippos, Cirque Berserk! is Circus specifically made for performance in a theatre, showcasing the traditional circus thrills and skills, and it is coming to the Newcastle venue from 21 to 24 June.

Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, the international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and daredevil stuntmen and features the world’s most hair-raising circus act: the legendary motorcycle ‘Globe of Death’.

The first modern circus is attributed to Philip Astley, a cavalry officer, who was the first to set up an amphitheatre with a circular performance area to show horse riding tricks when he opened his 'Circle' in Lambeth in 1768. By 1770, he was hiring acrobats, tightrope walkers, jugglers and a clown to fill in the pauses between acts, thus giving birth to the modern concept of the circus.

“Most people know the Tyne Theatre & Opera House for comedians and musicals,” said the theatre’s Director Joanne Johnson, “but we pride ourselves on keeping our programme varied and love to welcome shows that are a little out of the ordinary. A Victorian Opera House is probably not the first place you’d imagine watching a Circus, but Cirque Berserk! is an experience designed specifically for theatre, and we can’t wait for this breathtaking show to take over ours.”

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