Moscow State Circus

ALISON CROOSE

> King's Lynn Corn Exchange

All the excitement and spectacle of the Big Top thrilled audiences the day the circus came to town.

The proud Russian circus tradition was displayed at its best in a slick entertainment with all the familiar acts of human skill and daring.

The venue demonstrated its versatility yet again as trapeze artists swung above the audience and aerial gymnasts seemed they would tangle their feet in the lighting gantries high in the roof.

It was fast-moving, colourful family entertainment, its pace maintained by a five-piece band on stage. More than 30 performers were involved in award-winning acts which stretched physical endeavour and ingenuity to their limits.

From the mesmerising illusions and the enthralling flying ballet to the Herculean strength of Russia's strongest man and the clever slapstick of the circus clowns, this was a top-flight performance.

Not only did the artists have the physical expertise but also the imaginative skills to create riveting routines to captivate all the family.

The audience had never seen so much achieved by one woman and five hula-hoops, never mind the gymnast doing her routine on a giant hoop resting on the top of a man's head.