★★★★★

Reviewer - Becky

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

Fun fact, I’ve never been to or seen a circus performed live in my lifetime yet! What an absolute treat to have Cirque Beserk open me up to the world of circus entertainers and I had an absolute blast!

Following sold-out seasons in the West End and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Cirque Berserk! celebrates its tenth anniversary with a five-week season at the Riverside Studios.

This is Britain’s biggest and boldest theatre-circus spectacular showcasing the finest in circus thrills and skills. Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty fearless acrobats, aerialists and daredevil stuntmen. This new show for 2023 features many new UK debuts for performers around the globe. You’ve got everything from knife-throwing to juggling and to the breathtaking globe of death, speeding motorbikes inside a steel globe at up to 60 miles an hour!

This is an amazing day out for all the family. There were laughs, gasps and a few moments where I hid behind my hands at the sheer danger of some of the stunts. They seemed almost near impossible. With over 30 different circus skills to perform, Cirque Beserk stands out from the rest and brings lots of risky stunts and tricks to the west end!

The daredevil Lucius Team were the utter highlight of the night, bringing their dangerous Globe of Death act, previously thought impossible to showcase at theatres, for the first time in the UK. If I could recommend one thing to anyone dubious of going, it would be them! The louder you cheer for them, the faster they go!

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The circus is also formed by the Timbucktu Tumblers, The Khadgaa group, Aerial Ballet and even a giant robot. Complete props also go to the creative team behind the circus. Julius Green did an amazing job at directing the performance, as well as an eye-catching set design by Sean Cavanagh. Dramatic lighting (Mike Robertson) also played a huge role in upping the stakes and adding to the suspense of the show. You can really tell how much hard work and effort went into this show, they truly did give a show to remember. Special shout out to Paulo Dos Santos, who shone with his likeable personality and humour. The reactions of the children were very cute and added to the charm of the show.

Riverside Studios is a perfect venue for Cirque Beserk. The seating was on an upward slope so no seat was undesirable. It’s also worth mentioning a very accessible theatre for those with additional requirements having all of their spaces available at the ground floor level via a lift or ramp access. They also provide an early entrance for those that may need extra time to get inside the venue.

Cirque Beserk is a compelling and magnificent addition to London's ever-growing entertainment scene and is a brilliant idea for the kids this February half term! With non-stop action, this really is “The Greatest Show!”

Cirque Beserk is at The Riverside Studios only until 11th of March! Book your tickets here! https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/cirque-berserk-53269/