Cirkus Cirkör's Inside Out

Reviews from Inside Out's recent tour at the Wales Millennium Centre:

South Wales Argus

Buzz Magazine *****

Cirkus Cirkor: Inside Out at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

The mischievous intentions of Swedish circus company Cirkus Cirkor’s intoxicating blend of circus and comedy are made clear before the show even begins – as a colourful selection of characters from the cast mingle and joke with the audience.

Key amongst them is Bellefield, the hyperactive ringmaster played with a manic relish by Fefe Deijfen, right, who looks has if he’s been dipped in flour, given his ghostly pallor.

This pre-show knockabout leaves you with a child-like sense of wonderment that stays with you throughout a bewitching and bedazzling performance.

Inside Out is Cirkus Cirkor’s second instalment in a trilogy about the body. The journey revolves around two audience members who let loose their fears and follow their heart to take a giant leap into the unknown, where they have their worlds twisted upside down when they come into contact with a circus company of bizarre, magical oddballs.

Set in the faded glamour of a decaying 1920’s big top we set out on an enchanting journey that elegantly blends theatre, circus, live music, dance and comedy to spellbinding effect.

Accompanied on stage by the beautifully ethereal sounds of Swedish dream pop exponents Irya’s Playground – think Bjork fronting Arcade Fire – the whole effect is of kooky artistic escapism on a grandly ambitious scale.

Circus skills are performed with breathtaking acrobatic ability, leaving you open-mouthed and astonished at the daring feats of gymnastic accomplishment.

You can’t help but be drawn into their genuinely affecting and magical realm. At turns joyful, giddy and mesmerising, Inside Out will turn your world upside down.

By David Owens