Circus comes of age

The traditional and contemporary combine spectacularly

By the BBC's Michael Osborn

When the circus came to my town in middle England, the flurry of excitement usually turned to disappointment.

A few toothless, flea-bitten animals, and clowns who were sinister rather than amusing were the height of entertainment, while the high-wire act often suffered from vertigo.

Cirque Eloize have come to visit all the way from Quebec, Canada. And they have the modern, airy environs of London's Sadler's Wells as their arena - a mite more sophisticated than an oversized candy-striped tent.

Circus high-jinx with a theatrical sub-plot

There were no poor animals in sight either. Eloize's performance was acutely human, which made the very mixed audience warm to them.

Circus is supposed to be a breathtaking festival of athleticism, trickery and feats of strength.

Eloize certainly went back to basics with a continuous stream of amazing performances.

Contemporary

The whole range of traditional spectacles were there, from juggling, the trapeze, bicycle stunts and gymnastics - which were all executed faultlessly, drawing applause and gasps alike from the audience. This lot are indeed a highly skilled bunch.

There was also a healthy dollop of that other circus staple, namely the clown. But Eloize's fall guy was bereft of the big red nose and funny make-up.

He performed his comedy in a more theatrical manner, with a flurry of expressions and mannerisms which made both children and grown-ups laugh.

A talented, exciting and innovative company

But he broke the mould by being a clever clown, having mastered the art of the high wire, juggling and acrobatic.

There was something deeper to be drawn from this performance. The troupe's musicians played zany, upbeat accompaniments - but there were quieter, subtler moments when elements of contemporary dance and theatre come bubbling to the fore.

While circus high-jinx were being played out to obvious delight, it became clear that each member of the troupe possessed a character and was playing a role in a sub-plotted play.

The ringmaster remained in control, but with an electric guitar slung around his shoulder - curiously barking a few words of dialogue in gruff German.

Stunning

We saw a love story being played out before us, when the strong man eventually won over the circus's renegade, who upset all her comrades until she was wooed in a beautiful display of acrobatic dance.

Cirque Eloize's climax was surprising and subtly stunning. The majority of performers would leave their greatest trick until last - the most people piled upon a unicycle, or a feat of the trapeze accompanied by a meaty drumroll.

But they all settled to a standstill. And with music quietly playing, the stage was bathed in a gentle golden light. It was a warming theatrical conclusion to a multi-faceted performance.

And all my watery memories of childhood circuses were swept away with this talented, exciting and innovative company of performers.

Cirque Eloize are at London's Sadler's Wells until 2 September.