Varekai - Cirque du Soleil

Synopsis

What is Varekai? Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world - a world where something else is possible. A world called Varekai. From the sky falls a solitary young man and the story of Varekai begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world populated by fantastical creatures, this young man sets off on an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of all possibilities, begins an inspired incantation to life rediscovered.

Our Review:

9 January 2010

The magic of Cirque du Soleil's Varekai, back at the Albert Hall to mark the company's 25th anniversary, is dissipated early on when a tiny Tinkerbell-ish light with a squeaky voice hovers over the stage and thanks the corporate sponsors of the show.

That's about the last we hear of any recognisable language, as the rest of the show - structured loosely around the Icarus myth - is narrated in the invented tongue of the land of Varekai (which translates as 'wherever' in Romany). There's something slightly troubling about a company supported by American Express professing to celebrate the “nomadic soul” of gypsy culture.

The acts are a mixed bag; the climactic Russian Swings bring much-needed energy and danger, while a troupe of dancers on a slippery surface prove a damp squib. Light relief is competently provided by stumbling clowns 'Joanna and Steven', and there's an impressive turn from 'Limping Angel' Dergin Tokmak, who somehow manages to breakda...

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Latest User Review

TP - 29 January 2010:

The most boring night I've ever spent in the theatre. For the love of god, how many times can you watch someone twirl round on a hoop? Occasional bursts of humour, surrounded by some acrobats - should be on at Blackpool Pier. Awful....

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