“Spectacular, spectacular, no words of the vernacular can describe this great event, you’ll be dumb with wonderment…”. As I was sitting in the Royal Albert Hall, watching Cirque du Soleil: Corteo, unfold before me – my first ever live Cirque du Soleil show – this line from Moulin Rouge came into my head. The show was incredible and spellbinding. I could hardly look away from the action and was gripped and entertained throughout.
We have all heard of Cirque du Soleil; I have known of them for years. I have always wanted to see one of their shows, but until now had not seen one live, although during lockdown in 2020, I watched some that they shared on YouTube. Seeing them on the small screen did not prepare me for the real-life show – especially in a venue as grand as the Royal Albert Hall!
It seems that each Cirque show follows a vague storyline, more of an impressionistic narrative than a plot; for this show it is that of one man’s dream of his funeral. It starts with “last night, I dreamed it was my funeral”. A strange idea for a show, perhaps, but from the outset, it’s clear this is no ordinary funeral. Mauro the clown is our dreamer, and this is his celebration of life – joyful, surreal, at times deeply moving. There are hints of sorrow, but it’s wrapped in laughter, wonder, and a strange blend of the ethereal and the absurd.
This narrative is really just a way to tie it all together, and although each chapter is presented like another part of Mauro’s dream, the action is very much the fantastical circus acts you’d expect. There are acrobats and death defying stunts. There’s an act I can only describe as ‘juggling women’ – and I don’t mean women juggling. There are unique, completely original performances too, including one involving balloons that is a wonder to behold. You will be grinning from ear to ear with the childlike joy of it all.
As the dream revolves around Mauro’s death, there are frequently angels flying high above the hall. Need a prop? No person in black dashing on, but an angel flying in with it. This is all part of the magic, and it really does feel otherworldly.
The music is another wonderful aspect. Live singers are often on the stage or singing to the side, accompanied by a variety of musicians. They are a part of the dream world, and the singing is enchanting. The beauty of the music and of the circus performances – and the performers – is such that I found myself transfixed, moved, and utterly mesmerised for so much of the show. One of the most fun musical moments is when there is a ‘music off’ between the whistling maestro and the flautist clown – hilarious and so impressive.
The whole show feels like a celebration. The best funerals do, and this is certainly the goal with the chosen narrative. As well as all the captivating and emotional moments, there is plenty of humour. Between Tito Dino, the 8ft giant who wants to jump on the seesaw and catapult Mauro into space, and the little anthropomorphic light fixtures with giraffe like necks, that put me in mind of the skutters from Red Dwarf, there are plenty of acts and moments within acts that had us giggling like children.
There was one part that seemed a bit odd to me. About halfway through the 2nd act there is a little proscenium theatre brought on, and they have their two performers of short stature, both under 1m tall, put on Romeo and Juliet. It was all a bit odd – the audience seemed invited to laugh more at the performers’ size than the comedy itself. The scene, which ended with Valentina chasing Gregory with what appeared to be a sausage, had a Punch and Judy feel, and it didn’t quite land for me. It was the only point where I found myself checking the time, but was still merely a blip in an otherwise sublime show.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo takes the audience on a dreamlike adventure, where you witness things that you never imagined were possible, and acts that have you on the edge of your seat. It’s the kind of show that makes you feel, viscerally, that human beings are capable of the most extraordinary things. Strength, balance, precision – but also artistry, humour, and heart. It leaves you with a sense of childlike wonder, reminding you that life, in all its strangeness and beauty, is something to celebrate.
Spectacular, spectacular, indeed.
Book yourself a ticket before the run is over on 2nd March – and let Mauro’s dream carry you away.
{ SOURCE: 1883 Magazine }
