Review: Cirque du Soleil, First Direct Arena, Leeds

In the 29 years since the company’s been going it’s become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 100 million people having seen one of their performances. Alegria is one of its longest running and most popular shows and landed in Leeds as part of its final tour.

So is it all it’s cracked up to be? Well, yes actually. Ignoring the story, apparently there was one but for the life of me I couldn’t fathom what it was, what you go to a Cirque du Soleil show for is to be dazzled by jaw-dropping performances.

It’s a feast for the senses, a dazzling riot of flamboyant costumes, sensual music, stunning choreography and breathtaking acrobatics. At two-and-a-half hours, including an interval, it might sound like a long time but the show races by at a pace and you find yourself bewitched by the power, grace and precision of the performers.

The Flying Man and the seemingly gravity-defying contortionists were among the many highlights. At one point a member of the impressive Russian Bars team made a slight mistake, but this only brought home the level of skill and concentration these athletes need.

If you haven’t seen a Cirque du Soleil show before then I recommend going to watch one. If you have then perhaps it’s time you went back, because it’s not often that shows like this roll into town.