In the space of nearly 40 years, Cirque Du Soleil have gone from being street performers in early 1980s Canada to being a world-renowned touring circus arts company, providing entertainment to audiences right across the globe.  Their new show Corteo embarks on a UK tour this autumn to share the talents of the Cirque Du Soleil company members.

Mauro, an old clown, passes away at the beginning of the show but his spirit still lingers somewhere between Heaven and Earth.  Instead of traditional mourning, he imagines for himself that his funeral cortege (translated to “corteo” in Italian, hence the show’s title) is more of an extravagant carnival to celebrate his life as a circus artist.  Whilst there are some segments of the performance that don’t seem all that relevant to the narrative, that doesn’t mean they aren’t still thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

All of the acts featured in Corteo are wonderfully mesmerising.  From some slapstick comedy and classic clowning to death defying aerial acrobatics, there’s something for everyone in the audience to both entertain them and leave them clinging onto the edge of their seats.  Most people probably picture a round big top tent when they think of a circus, however Cirque Du Soleil have switched things up to defy expectations beyond the acts of the incredible artists themselves by opting for a traverse stage layout, where the audience are situated on two opposite sides of the performance space.

Design for the production by Jean Rabasse, combined with costumes by Dominique Lemieux, gives a baroque feel to the show, which seems to add an extra elegance to each performers’ act, particularly for the aerial hoop routine where the hoops are part of gorgeously opulent chandeliers, and for the quiet but caring angels who watch over Mauro.  Before the show even begins, audiences can admire the beautiful design of Corteo as the curtains surrounding the stage have been hand painted which such fantastic detail.

One of the latest additions to Cirque Du Soleil’s programme, Corteo may not have the most consistent narrative but it achieves what was intended with the story of Mauro in a way that truly celebrates the joyous exuberant nature of the circus and life as a clown.  With such magnificent death defying tricks, you’ll be both holding your breath and cheering the artists on.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jess Dalloway

Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo tours the UK until 23 October, with tickets available here.