Corteo is the Canadian circus giant’s first show since its debt-fuelled expansion ended in Covid-induced bankruptcy in 2020.
Perhaps the storyline of a clown attending his own funeral reflects that brief death. Perhaps Cirque du Soleil has learned from its mistakes.
Either way, it’s a loose vehicle for the main event: explosions of colour and form as fabulously costumed acrobats, jugglers, aerial artists tumble across the stage, their perfectly honed bodies able to exercise exquisite control over what can seem like impossible feats of strength, grace and flexibility.
It’s not simply technical virtuosity that Cirque du Soleil offers. Corteo is an immersive carnival experience performed by artist-athletes able to combine drama with comedy and pathos with joy.
The most spectacular display of circus skills you will see anywhere.
Playing at the Royal Albert Hall in London until 2 March.
