Cirque du Soleil made its return to the prestigious Royal Albert Hall on 13th January 2023 with the touring show ‘KURIOUS – Cabinet of Curiosities’. Following the story of ‘The Seeker’ (whose steampunk-esque imagination comes to life in the breath-taking form of acrobatics), the show is travelling the world starting from Canada, Montreal, on April 24th, 2014, and is currently touring Europe.

This was my first experience with the famous Cirque du Soleil, and although I was initially confused about the concept, some research cleared up my misconceptions. The aesthetic of the show took inspiration from the industrial revolution, seen clearly through the running motif of cogs and metal framework throughout the set designs and many of the costumes. The sets included a trampoline, a flying bicycle, and most notably, the “invisible circus”: a circus but with “invisible” performers. The inclusion of live music helped reinvigorate the audience’s interest, especially during the dangerous feats. Overseeing this all was the Seeker, who provided comic interjections in the drama of it all. The start of the European tour was part of the celebrations for the Royal Albert Hall’s 150th anniversary and will continue to tour across major European cities, such as Paris and Rome.

Although I am no expert in acrobatics, I asked a fellow audience member about her awe-inspiring experience with the show. Roxie Reynolds said: ‘The show was both outstanding and incredibly humbling’ (as a dancer herself), watching contortionists twist their limbs into inconceivable shapes. While the perilous stunts provided action and an on-the-edge-of-your-seat atmosphere, I found myself most intrigued by the finger puppetry, projected onto a balloon hanging from the ceiling, so all had a chance to wonder in fascination at the spectacle. However, others said the act of balancing on piled-up chairs in the 'Upside Down World' routine was incredibly impossible, leading them to think it was a holographic image. 

I found myself leaving the hall in ecstatic disbelief at what I had seen. ‘KURIOUS – Cabinet of Curiosities’ was a mesmerising introduction to the renowned Cirque du Soleil, sparking an enthusiastic fascination in the audience. I am sure that everyone who had the honour of watching the talented performers left the venue a fan; I know that I did.