Zippos Circus, ‘Carnaval’ On Tour – The Big Top Still Magical *****
Zippos Circus, ‘Carnaval’ On Tour
The Big Top Still Magical *****
Zippos Circus is a wonderful, all-family experience, steeped in the traditions of the sawdust ring. Bursting with atmosphere, the 2013 programme, Carnaval, delivers two hours of high energy acts from around the world. Touring, now in East Ham.
The super line-up includes thrilling, Olympic gold medal level aerial antics from Cuban acrobats, the HAVANA TROUPE, horseback rider, Nicky de Neumann, whooping it up like a rodeo cowgirl, alternately lying across the backs of two galloping horses or standing on the backs of three. It was a pleasure to see woman and horse in such harmony, knowing that no whip, torture or cruelty was inflicted on the animals who were not there – elephants, tigers, seals, bears, and the rest of the majestic creatures spared the demeaning treatment of previous circuses.
Every now and then, the brilliantly talented, award-winning Delbosqs clowns brought superb, joyous, comic acting to their shtick, and a truly impressive strongman, Hercules, aka Denys Ilchenko from the Ukraine, juggling motor car tyres, bending a thick steel bar with his teeth and carrying a pyramid of people, defied human limits. The beautifully elegant and lissom, Jackie Louise and Chenoa were a joy to watch on the swinging trapeze and aerial strap. To say nothing of the eye-watering Zippos Corps de Ballet.
Zippos kept the most devastating act for last – the death defying Brazilian motorbike riders with their terrifying, high speed, precision-choreographed, caged, motor bike line-dancing, the Lucius team, in their Globe of Death, coming within a nano-second of catastrophe a few feet away from you.
The event was hosted by the evergreen ringmaster, Norman Barrett MBE, a veteran of six decades in the circus. His world famous budgies captured hearts with their own (his) comic timing and ability, a testament to his skill and rapport with creatures having fun themselves.
Who says you have to go to the West End for world class theatre? Look up where to find Zippos for an enthralling show.
Not to be missed.
Saul Reichlin