Cirque Éloize Cirkopolis

Circus shows have been undergoing a reinvention over the past few years; and the Canadian troupe Cirque Éloize is one of the leaders of contemporary circus arts.

Combining circus arts with music, dance and theatre, its latest creation, Cirkopolis, is inspired by the classic films Metropolis, directed by Fritz Lang, and Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, each an indictment of mechanical work and mindless bureaucracy.

It’s set in a monotonous factory-city with colossal gears and murky portals, against which the artists rebel progressively dismantling it and substituting their own more colourful, lively and unruly world.

Directed by Dave St-Pierre and Jeannot Painchaud, Cirkopolis skilfully blends acrobatics, dance, theatre, video projections and original music. Certainly one of best circus shows in London this winter, if not the best, it’s more than just a show for children - it’s a programme adults too will enjoy and marvel at.