Last updated: 15 July 2023
Originally published February 2016. Cirque Beserk is a troupe of performers, a throwback to traditional circus from years gone by. I wonder what I’m in for as Cirque Berserk describes itself as:
Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills
As I sit into my less than average sized seat in the Peacock Theatre, I’m intrigued by the repeated broadcasts. Announcements running ad nauseam through the speakers “it’s an interactive performance, don’t turn off your phone”. I think, Ok Cirque Berserk give me all you’ve got because I’ve played this game before with Miss Behave.
“Tweet, Facebook and film to your hearts content”.
The Timbuktu Tumblers take to the stage and perform tumbling and dance stunts as well as playing limbo under flaming poles. Hardly on the edge of my seat, I can’t help but tell myself I’ve seen the act before. There’s nothing new here and I’m far from oooo-ing and ahhh-ing over the performance.
The comedic humour is from the Scot, Tweedy the Clown; is apparently an ‘award winning’ ‘slapstick legend’. Two descriptions with which I do not concur. The childish jesting gets some pained smiles and smirks from the audience, but I’m left wondering if nose picking & nut-cracking humour is still considered funny. Juggling while balancing on a cheap piece of plastic tubing doesn’t fill me laughter or any concern for his safety. I begin to yawn. Again, it’s all been done before, in the 1990s.
Every show has it’s highlight and here it’s limited to just two. Germaine Delbosq, a talented foot juggler, who tosses cubes, balls and flame lit objects into the air using only her feet. Secondly the, not new but still entertaining, motorcycles of the Lucius Team who ride around inside the Globe of Terror.
Lucius Team makes several appearances throughout the show. Initially two motorcycles enter the glowing orb like structure located in the centre of the stage, with more added throughout the show. It’s far more the climax of the entire performance, than Tweedy walking across a rope pulling lettering to spell ‘The End’. Which felt like yet another failed promise.
Supporting acts of knife throwing, contortionist and acrobatic acts are nothing new. Between the showgirls flailing ribbons, tambourines and scarves, corny jokes and the garish Las Vegas style music, it all points as an attempt to add drama to a show that lacks substance.
After intermission, I struggled to convince myself to sit through the second half, I’ve barely cracked a smile in over an hour. All indications point to reused content to take advantage of the lucrative school vacation market targeting desperate parents seeking entertainment during half term.
The Essentials
Zippos presents Cirque Berserk
When: Tickets are on sale from now until 24 February 2016.
Where: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT
Transport: Nearest Tube station is Holborn. A myriad of buses are available from the Aldwych nearby.
Cost: Tickets from £15.
Verdict: If you’re desperate for something to entertain the kids in half term then it might do the job. Or you could spend the money on a game console and get more satisfaction for your money. A very generous 2*.
