This type of Circus stage show may be familiar to some, helped by the enduring shows of the Cirque Du Soleil and similar companies, but taking these shows to relatively smaller stages is a challenge to say the least. Cirque Eloize succeeds on every level.
ID Reloaded pays homage to their ID West End stage show and continues in the same exciting vein. Skilfully blending urban dance and circus style performances, the entire cast amazes the audience with their skills and physical prowess. It leaves you wondering about the level of training involved to reach this level of skill and strength.
The set is inventive, and subtle changes give a different feel to each of the scenes. Although those old enough to remember a TV show called Celebrity Squares may raise an eyebrow!
The set depicts the alleys and building sites of Montreal, and the cast of only nine performers displays skills in such diverse fields as dance, juggling, acrobatics, cycling and trampolining. The dance scenes incorporate a range of skills, from gymnastics to break dancing. The soundtrack is exhilarating, and many of the tracks wouldn’t be out of place in nightclubs from across the decades.
Directed and curated by Jeannot Painchaud and choreographed by Elon Höglund the skills on display are truly breathtaking, with the entire audience feeling completely immersed in the scenes.
Although there is no storyline in the traditional sense, the scenes are linked by the scenery and style. The lighting was questionable in places, with the performers' movements sometimes taking them out of the lit area, but this was only brief and did not detract from the show itself.
The audience was further drawn into the show when performers came off stage, although this was rather lost on anyone who did not have a seat in the stalls.
The show, although only 80 minutes long, is a must-see for young and old. The differing skills on display are nothing short of amazing. From the opening scene to the finale, this is a well-structured and thoroughly enjoyable show.
Written by: Peter Nicholson
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