Think the circus and sometimes you think of the cliches – the big top, the clown, the ringmaster. But as teachers always taught us, you can never judge a book by its cover.
And so it proved at Circus Funtasia during what is sure to be an all too brief stop in Lichfield.
This was a show packed with some old school big top favourites blended with a modern twist on the skills which means the circus still holds an appeal for audiences young and old.
Take the juggler, for example. At just 13, you’d be forgiven for thinking Nia Nikolova Jones’ age would be enough of a twist on the staple of this genre. But she mixed the act up with a Harley Quinn styling and the use of a hover board in her act.
There’s also a daredevil group of motorbike globe riders who make their mark with their exciting, adrenaline-fuelled routine.
But where Circus Funtasia succeeds is the change of tone and pace through the show. Roller skating acrobatics from Duo Paris sit perfectly alongside the elegance of aerial partnership Duo Stefaneli and the multi-skilled Elodie Tech.
While all the thrills, spills and stunts might wow the crowd, it’s the big top favourite who really steals the show. Anthony Lefort’s act might seem relatively simple at first glance, with it’s blend of classic routines and cheap – but still funny – laughs. However, his sense of timing and vibrant personality fuses the entire performance together and is the glue which holds this fun family show together.
Catch it while you can.
Circus Funtasia is at Lichfield Rugby Club until Sunday (May 7). For ticket details visit the website.