Circus at the Spiegeltent has become a pretty predictable part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival programme – but Circus Alfonse is not like anything you’re likely to have seen before.
The riotously funny show mixes highly skilled acrobatics, juggling, silk work, and magic with some bravado macho demonstrations, and some decidedly less masculine displays.
The upshot is a surreal and breath-taking show that leaves the audience delightfully unsure of what they’ll experience next, with an up-close pole dancing session or a hands-on massage not out of the question when the action spills out from the stage.
Under the lights the Canadian troupe show their professionalism with impressive human towers, juggling with hats, clubs, and cups, and aerial and Cyr wheel displays. One particularly creative routine with ping pong balls (no, not quite like that, but not far off) is a real treat, with the crowd really gunning for the audacious stunt to pay off.
The performers are knowingly cheeky – literally so as the costumes shrink through the show – and deliver a rambunctious, adult take on circus that is a delight to enjoy. The 70 minute show rips through all too quickly – it almost makes you want to book see it again straight away.
- The Norfolk & Norwich Festival runs from 13-29 May 2022. For more information visit www.nnfestival.org.uk.
