Cirque du Soleil's Amaluna
Big Top, Intu Trafford Centre
Until October 9
ROLL up, roll up, a spectacular show has arrived in the North West.
The world-famous Cirque du Soleil has pitched up its big top in a car park of the Intu Trafford Centre for a dazzling display of acrobatics and circus skills.
Following a record-breaking run at the Royal Albert Hall in London earlier this year, the show is virtually on our doorstep and well worth a watch.
The loose story of the thrilling show centres on a tale of castaway romance and the obstacles true love presents.
After directing her daughter's coming of age ceremony - honouring femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance - Queen Prospera causes a storm.
A group of young men wash up on the isle, triggering a love story between Prospera’s daughter and a brave suitor.
But, in a show such as this, the story is secondary to the jaw-dropping talents of the performers - from acrobats seemingly effortlessly soaring above the audience to eye-watering displays of flexibility.
I was lucky enough to have seen Cirque du Soleil’s O at the Bellagio in Las Vegas in May and, I have to say, I enjoyed this show more.
A strong element of fun runs through the production of Amaluna, with the clown characters providing laughs while the in-the-round stage is set up for each scene.
The talented cast is predominately female and there is a definite feeling of girl power in the production.
Thrillingly executed, there were just a small number of minor errors on opening night but, sometimes, that’s part of the fun – wondering if anything will go wrong.
Tickets to see a show by the largest and arguably most famous theatrical producer in the world, unsurprisingly, do not come cheap.
But if you fancy a treat for the family and an enjoyable night out, head on down to the big top before October 9.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here