Cirque du Soleil just seems to get bigger and better.
The latest show to hit London, Totem, features some jaw-dropping set design, with moveable stages and dazzling lighting effects.
The costumes are another highlight, with intricate ensembles spinning on to the stage, leaving you spellbound. For instance, the Crystal Man’s leotard is encrusted with more than 4,000 mirror fragments!
There’s even electric use of UV paint on some of the outfits, with the glow in the dark patterns creating mind-binding optical illusions.
As with all of the Cirque du Soleil shows, there is an overarching theme which ties all of the acts together.
Totem, which debuted in 2010 and masterminded by Robert Lepage, focuses on the evolution of humanity.
A blurb describing the show explains that it ‘follows the human species from original amphibian state to ultimate desire to fly’ and ‘explores the ties that bind man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential’.
Another element that threads everything together is the music.
I really loved the songs in this production, with a cocktail of Native American, Spanish flamenco, Middle Eastern and Indian sounds making for a pleasing mix.
When it came to specific acts, my favourites included the troupe of female unicyclists.
Each artist proceeded to catch bowls on their heads while balancing and perching on sky-high bikes.
As each bowl was thrown and caught, there was rapturous applause from the audience (and coos of disbelief).
Offering a bit of eye candy, the comical male beach-goers certainly caught my attention with their ripped torsos on show.
Often the super-human strength of the Cirque performers is hidden under the incredible costumes but it was nice to see just how sculpted they are!
As with all of the Cirque shows, the contortionist segment garuntees to leave you scratching your head.
In Totem this act was especially impressive, with the flexible performer wearing a UV painted outfit which highlighted her body parts as they folded and flexed.
But the most mind-boggling act had to be the dizzying tricks performed by the skating duo.
At one point the female skater appeared to be attached to her partner by the neck as they both span around on a small round stage at high speed. As they turned the woman unravelled violently with her legs whipping through the air.
The death-defying stunt was truly extraordinary!
So, if you’re a Cirque fan or have never been before, I can’t recommend the new show enough.
It will take you on a spell-binding journey, full of humour and colour, and you’re guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face…
The Royal Albert Hall is located at Kensington Gore, Kensington, London SW7 2AP
To book tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s Totem visit www.royalalberthall.com
The production runs until February 26 – so snag a seat while you can!
