Death-defying stunts and dare-devil circus acts set to thrill at Edinburgh's Festival Theatre

IT’S the UK’s biggest and boldest theatre-circus spectacular and it’s back in the Capital all this week, thrilling with hair-raising, death-defying stunts, all specially designed to be enjoyed in a theatre setting.
By Liam Rudden
Published 10th Mar 2020, 16:54 BST
Cirque Berserk!Cirque Berserk!
Cirque Berserk!

The colourfully costumed international performers of Cirque Berserk! have taken up residence at the Festival Theatre until Sunday, promising audiences a showcase of some of the world’s most dangerous circus acts.

This year’s show features five new acts including The Khadgaa Troupe, multi-talented Mongolian circus superstars who entertain with their high-speed, high-energy acrobatic agility.

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Also new for 2020 are uni-cycle artistes Viktor and Yuliya with Bikes. All the way from the Ukraine, their bikes have no seats, just a wheels and peddles.

Super strong giant The Mighty Khaan also features for the first time, as does the graceful Hulan. Gliding gracefully through the air, Hulan brings breathtaking skill and Eastern artistry to her elegant aerial silks act. From Spain, Duo Garcia, a stunning aerial daredevil act, perform at the Festival Theatre too.

Returning due to popular demand, Cirque Berserk welcomes back African troupe The Timbuktu Tumblers, who will build acrobatic pyramid before your eyes, and super-bendy contortionist Elberel who, will squeeze into a bottle - she also fires a bow and arrow with her feet.

Relaxing the tension for a moment, enjoy the display by members of the aerial ballet before husband and wife team Toni and Nikol ramp up the action again with their knife-throwing act.

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Finally, the Lucius Team Globe of Death return with no fewer than five motorbikes riders circling the inside of the Globe of Death at the one time.

Following a sold-out season at the Fringe, the new tour is now at the Festival Theatre until Sunday. Show times are 7.30pm, today to Saturday, with Saturday matinees at 2pm and 5pm, and a Sunday matinee at 3pm. The show runs one hour and 50 minutes and is not suitable forunder 5s.

Produced by the world famous Zippo’s Circus, the show is put together by founder and producer Martin ‘Zippo’ Burton with creative director Julius Green, movement director Dede McGarrity, set designer Sean Cavanagh and with lighting, sound and costume design by Mike Robertson, Matthew Bugg and Dianne Kelly respectively.

Cirque Berserk!, Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, until Sunday, £18-£31, www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/cirque-berserk

Related topics:Edinburgh