Review – Cirque De Glace
Date Reviewed: 19th February, 2009
Venue: The Lowry
It’s easy to run out of superlatives when trying to describe the sheer spectacle that is Cirque de Glace. From the heart pounding opening to its stunning and memorable close, this is an amazing combination of circus skills, ice skating and storytelling.
A sequence of scenes in Act 1 take us from the first explosive creation of the Earth, through to life developing, man’s appearance and his ability to create fire. Act 2 describes the corruption of the world through pollution and pursuit of monetary gain, through to it’s purification and hope for life on Earth.
The Earth is represented by a globe topped by supple contortionist, Valerie Murzak, as Gaia. Her evocative routines at points throughout the show give provide soul to Gaia and Mother Earth.
For most of the show ice skaters move around the stage with style and ease. The Russian Ice Stars, who are the major performers, are all highly skilled skaters. But their real skill is combining the technical side of their skating with the beautifully choreographed dance movements which create the real lasting images of the show.
Although the skating provides the bulk of the performance, there are stunning circus style performances from other artists. The aerial work on the show causes gasps of amazement from the audience. The primary female acrobat, Ekatarina Belokopytova, and one male, Alexander Belokopytov, spin and drop from a variety of ribbons, hoops and ropes. There is also a swing sequence by Svetlana Murzak, which again is excellently done, leaving you breathless.
Special mention must also be made of Yulia Kovina. Her skill with a large number of hoops is undeniable but is outclassed by her hoola with a ring of fire.
The other main circus style act is a bar work sequence. Two young men perform jumps and somersaults from the bar held between the shoulders of their compatriots. Again their skill draws gasps and applause from the audience.
This skill and drama are enhanced by stunning costumes designed by Svetlana Murzak, a minimalist but meaningful narration by Phil Walters and truly dramatic music by Steve Millington and Stu Shaw.
Overall this is a truly incredible evening’s entertainment for the whole family, so get your skates on!
-Helen Jones