On Tuesday night we were excited to be invited to the press night of Circus 1903 at the Lowry Theatre. We’ve been to plenty of circus performances with the children, including Blackpool Tower Circus, but never one inside a theatre venue. We caught a glimpse of Circus 1903 on Children In Need last week and so we knew we were in for a treat.
The Lowry Theatre is, as always, a lovely place to spend an evening and my husband and I were excited to be out the house without the children! We weren’t sure how the circus would translate from the traditional big top to onstage in a theatre but it worked brilliantly.
The performance itself was nothing short of spectacular. As I mentioned earlier we’ve seen plenty of circus shows but I’ve never seen anything quite like the contortionist, or Elastic Dislocationist as she’s known. She was incredible!
There was breathtaking aerial work, acrobats, an incredible balance act and the fastest juggler we have EVER seen. We were just sat in awe as we watched the talent on stage. It’s obvious just how much time and effort has gone into creating each act. The ringmaster described the performances as circus art which you just can’t argue with. It goes beyond the traditional razzle dazzle of the circus. The reaction from the crowd, the audible gasps and cheers, were testament to the skill and bravery each act displayed.
The elephants, Queenie and baby Peanut were really something special. The design was incredible but it was the movement that made them so realistic. The puppetry comes from the award-wining team behind War Horse and it could be argued they were the stars of the show.
However, for me, it was the ringmaster David “Willy” Williamson who made the show. He oozed charisma. There were segments of the show where children were chosen to participate and hilarity soon ensued! We, along with the rest of the audience, laughed along as the children tried and failed to complete a magic trick.
Yet during these entertaining moments there was also a beautiful poignancy. The ringmaster would lower himself to the child’s height and talk in a softened tone. During these moments you could have heard a pin drop. He had us all eating out of the palm of his hand. There was one particularly lovely moment where he talked to a small five year old boy about the wonders of magic and all the adventures he had waiting for him throughout the course of his life. The little boy was spellbound, clearly taking it all in. It was a beautiful, quiet moment amidst the drama and excitement of the circus.
I can’t recommend the show enough. I completely forgot where I was as I was transported back to 1903 and swept away by the talent on show. It was honestly the best show I have seen in a very long time.
You can catch the show at The Lowry up until 24th November 2019 – click here to book.
Disclaimer : We were offered complimentary tickets but as always opinions are my own.
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What an amazing sounding circus this seems to be! I would definitely be interested in going to see this, it would be so interesting to see how the elephants move and work close up!
That looks absolutely amazing and wish we could see this one someday. I love the fact they are not using real live elephants and made effort to recreate it with an awesome looking puppet.
This sounds like a wonderful circus, it sounds like they put on an amazing show! I'd love to see it if it ever comes to my area.
Oh wow this looks amazing. I have only seen a circus in a theatre once and it was extraordinary. Mich x
We absolutely love the circus but haven’t been for a year as Nila isn’t keen on the lights as she is still young . It looks really good though!
Wow, this circus looks amazing, I would love to see it. Does it go on tour?
This circus sounds amazing. We haven't been to one in yours, but I'm hoping to take the kids next year.
Wow this looks absolutely incredible! I've actually never been to the circus but never really liked the idea of it (clowns, animals etc). But this looks right up street, love the period detail and acrobatics!
What an amazing look circus, I love the elephants! I'll have to see if they tour near me x
Oh wow, it looks amazing! I love Circus and for a while I was learning Circus tricks like Silks and hoop. So I can appreciate the strength it takes.
Oh wow this sounds totally amazing and mesmerising! I love visiting the circus and we always visit when one comes locally to us or when we are away in the summer. This one sounds really special though and the contortionist just WOW! Those elephants looks amazing too!