Varekai (Tour – Manchester)

Venue: Trafford Centre Big Top
Where: Manchester

To say that Cirque du Soleil put on spectacular shows is an understatement, a mix of theatrics, daredevil acrobatics, performance art and comedy they never fail to deliver. After just celebrating their 25th anniversary last year they return to Manchester with the eye popping show Varekai which had the opening audience a mix of adults, children and a host of celebrities on their feet.

The show’s story picks up where the Greek myth of Icarus leaves off, telling the story of what happened after his wings melt from flying too close to the sun and falling from the sky. In reality the storyline is unimportant as this is a visual show, attacking the senses from every direction.

Played out in the big top on a beautifully designed set the show takes your breath away with every moment, trapeze work, aerial ring dancers, and jugglers – it’s all in there, spectacular moment after spectacular moment leaving you on the edge of your seat as the talented cast put it all on the line to deliver something truly special.

Artistic Director Mark Bromilow keeps proceedings moving along at a breathtaking pace, with the cast appearing and disappearing in the blink of an eye, meaning you are never short of a moment that doesn not make you gasp out loud in delight.

Highlights including a beautiful dance with a talented young female performer who glides high above the audience in a spectacular ring dance and 3 young children who would put any of the youngsters on shows like Britain’s Got Talent to shame.

The act two finale leaves the audience in shock as the daredevil cast perform a routine that has to be seen to be believed.  Threatening to steal the show Steven Bishop and Marchiquita give the world’s worst (intentionally) and funniest routine I’ve seen in years, the audience lapped it up and were ecstatic to see the duo back in the second half.

What makes Varekai so spectacular is that the theatrics are better than anything you can see in the theatre, and the humour is  funnier than any stand up and the acrobatics are so world class that nothing comes close.

Only here for one month this is a show not to be missed, whilst the ticket prices may be high its money well spent, this is an experience that stays with you long after it’s over.  World class entertainment here in Manchester, Varekai is quite simply  spectacular with a capital S.

– Craig Hepworth