THE BALLOON MAN

Review: Moscow State Circus

Flying trapeze act White Birds

from: newhamrecorder.co.uk

BY Janine Rasiah , Senior Reporter

Sunday, April 20, 2014 

There is nothing like a visit to the big top to draw you into an enchanting and beguiling world, no matter what age you are

Hand balancer Vlad Khyostik

Set in the Park Gorkogo, mystical centre of Moscow’s cultural & artistic quarter, the Moscow State Circus’ new tour includes some never seen before acts.

We were lucky enough to have ringside seats which gave us a fantastic view almost in touching reach of the action.

The bar was set high with the first act, a handbalancer who contorted himself into unbeliveable shapes while upside down.

The seamless merge into the subsequent acts, from trapeze acts to rollerskating tricks on top of a table just two metres in diameter, has to be seen to be believed.

I was particularly impressed by the vertical jugglers who performed with glow in the dark clubs atop what must have been 15 foot poles.

And while slapstick isn’t usually my thing, the clown was a big hit with the kids - and even I mustered a giggle at some of his more outrageous behaviour.

For a couple of hours of pure escapism, marvelling and laughter there is nothing better.

The Moscow State Circus will perform in the International Quarter in Westfield Avenue, Stratford from Wednesday to Sunday.

For more details, visit moscowstatecircus.com